Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 3 (4th & 5th Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)

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Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 3 (4th & 5th Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)

Name: Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 3 (4th & 5th Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A543301
Price: 5.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

No. 3

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

Item: 36-A543301

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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: 8-904201-62-4

ISBN13: 979-8-904201-62-3

UPC: 604634083073

SKU: 36-A543301

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 influential composers during the reign of Louis XIV, holding prestigious positions at the royal court and the Chapel of Versailles. His prolific output spanned sacred motets, secular cantatas, and instrumental works that exemplified the refined aesthetic of French Baroque music, balancing Italian melodic sophistication with the elegance characteristic of the French style.

Lalande's instrumental Noëls represent a distinctive contribution to holiday music: they take beloved Christmas carol melodies and reimagine them as graceful chamber pieces suitable for both devotional and courtly contexts. His ability to honor traditional material while elevating it through sophisticated harmonic and contrapuntal writing made these works enduring fixtures in the French ceremonial calendar, performed at Versailles and beyond.

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Why we love this

These symphonies bridge familiar carol material with genuine compositional sophistication, so your ensemble performs recognizable melodies within a genuinely rewarding musical framework. The graceful counterpoint and elegant ornamentation of the French style create opportunities to explore Baroque performance practice while maintaining audience accessibility that comes from embedded Christmas melodies. Programming one of these pieces brings both scholarly credibility and seasonal appeal to a concert.

What to expect

The Symphonies des Noëls radiate the elegant restraint and refined taste of Versailles, transforming Christmas carols into intimate musical conversations between upper voices supported by a graceful harmonic foundation. The ornamentation and counterpoint feel almost conversational rather than bombastic, creating a devotional atmosphere that respects both the dignity of courtly performance and the warmth of familiar holiday melodies.

Who it's for

Early-music ensembles, Baroque orchestras, and symphonic programs seeking authentic instrumental Christmas music beyond the standard romantic arrangements. This collection also serves string quartets or small chamber groups wishing to expand their seasonal repertoire with period-appropriate material.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the continuo foundation early in rehearsal by having your harpsichordist or keyboard player lock the harmonic progression with the bass line; this provides the harmonic anchor that allows the upper voices to ornament and phrase expressively.
Shape the soprano lines with gentle expression and clear articulation rather than aggressive vibrato, staying true to the refined character of French court style.
Balance the two soprano voices as equal conversationalists; when they move in thirds or sixths, the inner voice should never disappear into the accompaniment.
Allow the melodic material to breathe across the bar lines rather than treating measures as rhythmic units; the phrasing should feel conversational and natural to how the carol melody would be sung.

How to use it

Open a holiday concert with this work to establish an atmosphere of sophistication and historical grounding before moving into later-period Christmas music. Alternatively, use it as a centerpiece in a program exploring Baroque instrumental music, pairing it with other French court works or harpsichord-accompanied chamber pieces.