Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 4 (6th-22nd Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)

$10.00 USD

Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 4 (6th-22nd Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)

Name: Symphonies des Noels (Christmas Symphonies), S.173.24: Symphony No. 4 (6th-22nd Noels): Full Orchestra, Ensemble Works, Conductor Score (EDWIN F KALMUS)
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-A543401
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

No. 4

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

Item: 36-A543401

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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: 8-904201-63-2

ISBN13: 979-8-904201-63-0

UPC: 604634084612

SKU: 36-A543401

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 the dominant instrumental composer of the French Baroque court, serving as maître de musique under both Louis XIV and Louis XV at Versailles. His gift lay in translating the ornamental elegance of French court style into chamber and orchestral works that balanced sophistication with accessibility, making him an essential figure in the development of French instrumental music during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Lalande's Christmas Symphonies exemplify his approach: taking beloved carol melodies and dressing them in refined orchestral garments that would appeal equally to royal chapel musicians and courtly listeners. This work demonstrates why he remained one of the most performed composers of his era and why his music continues to reward modern ensembles seeking repertoire that combines historical substance with genuine musical charm.

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Why we love this

This collection showcases the French Baroque tradition of instrumental Noëls at its most elegant. Lalande's treatment of familiar carols creates pieces that engage audiences immediately while offering enough musical sophistication to hold the attention of serious players; the continuo writing provides particular rewards for musicians willing to engage with it fully.

What to expect

The music radiates courtly refinement and gentle devotion. Familiar Christmas melodies emerge with unexpected sophistication, decorated with ornamental figures and cast in the restrained, elegant language of the French Baroque. There is warmth here, but expressed through restraint and craft rather than overt sentiment.

Who it's for

This work suits advanced high school orchestras and collegiate ensembles with some experience in Baroque performance practice. It also serves early music and period instrument groups seeking high-quality French Baroque repertoire for holiday programming or concert contexts.

How to get the most out of it

Coordinate with your continuo player early regarding the realization of the bass line. Cellier's harpsichord realization is included, but decisions about ornamentation and rhythmic drive in the accompaniment shape the entire ensemble's energy.
Approach the two soprano voices as a genuine duet rather than a melodic line with accompaniment. Baroque phrasing and text underlay (if sung) demand that these parts converse with one another.
Experiment with the suggested flexibility in instrumentation. A performance with strings alone differs markedly in character from one including oboes; consider what your ensemble's strengths are and what suits your venue.
Balance the carol melodies so they remain recognizable without sounding naive. Baroque style demands clarity and grace, not sentimentality.

How to use it

Program individual movements or selections from the collection as contrasting pieces within a holiday concert, or perform the full Symphony No. 4 as a centerpiece item that demonstrates your ensemble's versatility. This work pairs naturally with other Baroque instrumental music and creates an elegant alternative to the typical modern Christmas fare.