Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 2 (2nd & 3rd Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)

$8.00 USD

Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 2 (2nd & 3rd Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)

Name: Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 2 (2nd & 3rd Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A543201
Price: 8.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

No. 2

By Michel Richard De Lalande, ed./arr. by Alexandre Cellier

Item: 36-A543201

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Symphonies des Noëls (Christmas Symphonies), S. 173.24 was composed or compiled in the early 18th century by Michel-Richard de Lalande (1657-1726), one of the principal composers of the French royal court under Louis XIV and Louis XV. The work belongs to the French Baroque tradition of instrumental Noëls, in which familiar Christmas carol melodies were transformed into elegant chamber or orchestral pieces for devotional, domestic, or courtly performance. Published around 1740 as Noëls en trio avec un carillon, after Lalande's death, the collection reflects both the refined style of Versailles and the popular seasonal melodies heard throughout France. According to the original score, these were played in the chapel of King Louis XIV on Christmas Eve, at the Palace of Versailles, though no specific year is given. The Symphonies des Noëls occupies a charming niche in the Baroque holiday repertoire, performed especially by early-music ensembles for its graceful treatment of traditional carols and connection to the ceremonial splendor of French Christmas music. Reprint of the edition by Alexandre Cellier, in which his greatest contribution was the harpsichord realization of the continuo part. Instrumentation: 2.2.0.1: 0.0.0.0: Str (2.2.0.1.1): Hpchd in score. Musically, the parts consist of two soprano voices and the continuo, so the listed instrumentation is ideal, but it can be performed with strings alone or strings and oboes. As is customary of Baroque continuo parts, the bassoon is listed as wholly optional. This third part, Symphony No. 3, consists of the 4th and 5th Noëls. The remaining parts of Symphonies des Noëls are also available from the publisher, all edited by Cellier.

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Series: Kalmus Orchestra Library

ISBN10: 8-904201-61-6

ISBN13: 979-8-904201-61-6

UPC: 604634082380

SKU: 36-A543201

Instrumentation: 2.2.0.1: 0.0.0.0: Str (2.2.0.1.1): Hpchd in score. [Parts are 2 soprano voices and continuo, so listed instrumentation is ideal, but it can be performed with strings alone or strings and oboes.]

More about this title

About the Composer: Michel Richard De Lalande

Michel Richard De Lalande (1657-1726) was one of France's most prolific and celebrated composers, serving as maître de chapelle at the court of Louis XIV and later Louis XV. His mastery of French Baroque style made him essential to the musical life of Versailles, where he composed motets, ballets, and instrumental works that defined the refined aesthetic of the royal chapel and court.

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Why we love this

These symphonies offer early music ensembles and period-instrument orchestras an elegant, manageable entry into French Baroque instrumental music with immediate audience appeal. The use of recognizable carol melodies wrapped in sophisticated harmonies and counterpoint makes them accessible without sacrificing musicianship, and their documented performance history at Versailles adds genuine ceremonial weight to any holiday program.

What to expect

A candlelit intimacy pervades these symphonies, where familiar carols are dressed in courtly elegance without losing their warmth. The writing sparkles with the refined grace of Versailles while honoring the devotional spirit of the source melodies.

Who it's for

This work suits advanced high school orchestras, college early music ensembles, and professional period-instrument groups seeking authentic French Baroque holiday repertoire. It works equally well for concert band programs seeking sophisticated seasonal music that moves beyond standard Christmas fare.

How to get the most out of it

Shape each phrase with gentle articulation in the string parts; Baroque style favors clarity of line over sustained legato, even during sustained passages.
Balance the two soprano voices as equally as possible when performing with vocal soloists, treating them as conversational partners rather than primary and secondary lines.
Realize the harpsichord continuo with discretion, using the Cellier realization as a guide but allowing flexibility to support the upper voices without overwhelming them.
Maintain a steady, unhurried tempo that allows the carol melodies to emerge naturally; these pieces reward graceful phrasing over dramatic momentum.

How to use it

Position this in the second half of a holiday concert to provide contrast with more vigorous seasonal works, or build an entire early music program around Lalande and his contemporaries. The gentle, formal character makes it ideal for pre concert receptions or ceremonial Christmas Eve performances in chapel or concert hall settings.