In Dulci Jubilo: Conductor Score & Parts

Hazell captures the warmth of a medieval carol without relying on the familiar SATB texture, giving brass ensembles a genuinely festive arrangement that respects the source material. The organ part adds harmonic richness and liturgical weight, creating a piece that works equally well in concert settings or holiday services. This is the kind of smart arrangement that makes conductors look forward to programming the holidays.

Jubilant but grounded in reverence. The carol's medieval origins shine through Hazell's modern harmony, which feels both celebratory and contemplative. There's a sense of ceremony here, not mere festivity.

Brass ensembles at the intermediate level and above who want holiday repertoire with substance and flexibility. This works for community ensembles, university chamber groups, and church music programs seeking to balance tradition with fresh arrangement choices.

• Balance the ensemble so the organ's registration supports rather than overwhelms the brass voices. Use the organ's accompaniment texture as a rehearsal anchor for intonation work.
• Shape each phrase with attention to the carol's natural speech rhythms. Avoid letting the arrangement's harmonic fullness flatten the melodic line.
• Coordinate with your organist early on pacing and tempo. The organ's voice-leading will communicate your interpretive choices to the brass section.
• Listen for clarity in the middle voices (horn and trombone parts). These carry harmonic color and need definition, not just support.

Program this as a centerpiece for a holiday concert or as a bridge between secular brass fare and sacred music offerings. It works especially well in church services, educational concerts, or community events where you want to acknowledge the season without abandoning musical substance.

• Reading and performing harmonic textures written for brass and keyboard collaboration
• Balancing inner voices with a keyboard accompaniment
• Sustaining phrase shape across harmonic changes in a traditional melody
• Coordinating ensemble sound with an independent accompanist