The First Nowell Cover Image

The First Nowell: 4 Saxophones SATBar Conductor Score & Parts

$18.95 USD
$18.95 USD
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The First Nowell Cover Image
The First Nowell: 4 Saxophones SATBar Conductor Score & Parts

The First Nowell: 4 Saxophones SATBar Conductor Score & Parts

Traditional / arr. Bill Perconti

Item: 01-ADV7422
$18.95
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Description
Noels (the French spelling) are old but enduring carols that often tell a ballad-like story. Nowells (English spelling) are likely derived from and developed by English wandering minstrels. Both carols and nowells are often in 3/4 meter, lending themselveswell to dance. "The First Nowell" is one of a few carols that survived a ban on Christmas by the English Parliament in 1645. The tune is one of the oldest ballad carols, perhaps dating back to 1500, and likely originating in England. This arrangement of "The First Nowell" has multiple settings of the 3/4 time melody.

This arrangement for saxophone quartet (SATBar)---rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment---strives to include all the players in the music making, particularly by distributing melodic material throughout the ensemble. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations.

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Additional Details
Series: Advance Music: Holiday Celebration Series
Publisher: Advance Music
ISBN10: 3-892215-76-6
ISBN13: 978-3-892215-76-9
UPC: 805095074222
SKU: 01-ADV7422
Instrumentation: 4 Saxophones SATBar

More about this title

About the Arranger: Bill Perconti

Bill Perconti is an arranger and composer whose work appears regularly in educational music catalogs. His arrangements prioritize ensemble participation and accessibility, making him a valued contributor to school and community music programs.

Why we love this

Bill Perconti has written this arrangement with genuine democracy in mind. Rather than relegating three players to accompaniment while the soprano carries the tune, he rotates melodic responsibility throughout the quartet, ensuring every saxophonist has moments in the foreground. The suggested dynamics and articulations invite performers to shape the music themselves, transforming a holiday standard into a genuine collaborative conversation.

What to expect

This arrangement honors the ancient roots of the tune while keeping the playing accessible and warm. Each voice gets its turn at the melody, creating a sense of participation and equality that mirrors the collaborative spirit of ensemble playing.

Who it's for

Saxophone quartets of intermediate ability seeking holiday repertoire with substance and chamber music values. This works equally well for high school ensembles, college saxophone studios, and semi-professional community groups looking for accessible but respectfully crafted seasonal programming.

How to get the most out of it

  • Treat the suggested dynamics and articulations as a starting point. Discuss as a quartet what interpretive choices feel right for your ensemble, and own those decisions fully in performance.
  • Balance the melodic exchanges carefully. When the melody passes between parts, bring out whoever is singing it while supporting smoothly from the other voices.
  • The 3/4 meter invites a gentle dance quality. Avoid letting the quarter-note pulse feel mechanical; let it breathe with the natural lilt of the tune.
  • Work the intonation between parts during sustained harmony passages, particularly where voices are close together. This carol rewards precision tuning.

How to use it

Program this during holiday concerts or winter pops events where you want to feature your saxophone quartet with something both recognizable and musically substantive. It pairs well with other seasonal works but stands confidently on its own, requiring no additional soloists or singers.

Skills your students will build

  • Balanced ensemble listening and blending across four voices
  • Trading melodic lines while maintaining phrase shape and direction
  • Interpreting and executing stylistic choices as an ensemble
  • Sustaining clear intonation in three-part harmony
  • Dancing with 3/4 meter without losing rhythmic precision

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