for mixed choir (SATB) a cappella
Text: French (Anon, 15th Century)
Duration: 2'30''
Difficulty: 1/5
Use: Christmas

1. Berceuse de Noël
2. Nouvelle agréable

These two simple but effective French carols have been arranged for SATB choir a cappella.

Reviews
"Fine examples of the 'less is more' approach to material from a rustic, traditional source. Both [carols] retain their essential character, glowing with the cheeriness of uncomplicated faith. [The first] is a straightforward SATB treatment with energetic rhythmic interest and [the second] is more lyrical and calls for baritone and soprano soloists. In both cases the choral parts have narrow ranges and the extra low bass notes at the end of Nouvelle agréable are optional. These make a very welcome change from the better-known French Christmas carols and youth choirs and church choirs of moderate ability, in particular, will surely have a fine time singing them." (Rebecca Tavener, Organists' Review, June 2016)

Hywel Davies
Hywel Davies was born and brought up in London. He is active as a creative artist, editor and arranger. An award-winning composer, he has a long-standing association with Kokoro (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s new music ensemble) and other musicians and ensembles across Europe and North America; he was the recipient of an Arts Council England International Fellowship in 2003. As a sound artist he has created works for Arts Council England’s internal phone system, the 2012 Olympic sailing events and the National Trust. His work as an arranger has principally been published by Boosey & Hawkes, and includes volumes of works by Astor Piazzolla and Rachmaninoff; he has also compiled numerous anthologies of piano music. These Two French Carols follow three other original carols published by Boosey & Hawkes.