Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I thought I'd try to learn a holiday tune or two (or three) from among those posted here. I started with "Christmas Comes But Once a Year". Keep in mind that I'm a beginner with this low D flute, and that its scale won't drop as low as some of the fiddler's tunes require. Any suggestions for the a couple more? I was hoping to find something that would communicate what makes these tunes Christmas music to someone without an ITM upbringing.
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I haven't gotten around to posting it in th "tunes" section, but you might be able to learn "The Little Drummer Boy" by ear. it's not irish, but then...
There are also a few "Bah Humbug!" threads too, but I've kept to the "make merry!" side of things... This isn't to stop the question being answered, but just to show that it seems ITM-O'Philes and this site regularly make a nod to celebrate this season annually... Special gatherings in the Winter months, for example to gather in supplies for those less well off, were common wherever the Scots or Irish found themselves. Celebration and charity are high points of ITM...
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
ceolochan- I respectfully decline to discuss religious matters and humbly apologise if my remarks offended you or anyone else. If there was a note of irritation, it was my reaction to the whole Celtic Christmas thing which is so sickeningly commercialised end exploited here. In my own sardonic way , I was saying that All of this music is pertinent to this season , regardless of tune names. That said, one of my all-time fave "seaonal" tunes: "The Cold, Frosty Morning"....Happy New Year!!
cheers, pipewatcher
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
At a guess Arthur, I think you might like the Wexford Carol - traditional hymn type air - here at http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/6500#details
but this wouldn't be very flute friendly in key it's noted in. From memory you can start on an A and go from there. Best to get a recording and play along.
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I had already purchased and begun to work through "A Celtic Flute Christmas". "Wexford Carol" and "I Saw Three Ships A'Sailin' In" were two that caught my attention in that book, as did a Scottish tune that sounds like "Morning Has Broken" but is associated with Christmas. Thanks "Mix". I think you were on track relative to my interests. Same to you "Camwebby" and the others with similar suggestions.
It sounds as if any tune with a winter theme or one associated with seasonal food, environmental conditions, plants used for decoration, or animals becomes a reasonable holiday tune in terms of its use for celebrations and dancing. ("As I Go Out Upon the Ice" comes to mind.) Interesting how this contrasts with the way that Christmas carols developed such a church oriented tone, even carols that have potential to be played in a more upbeat manner, such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I Saw Three Ships".
In Medieval times I understand that dancing was quite common on Christmas ("Tomorrow is My Dancing Day"). It seems that got lost in some cultures, as in the U.S., where Christmas celebrations were not always popular, and the holiday was treated as a solemn church event in many places.
I appreciate all the links. "Jingle Bells" as a polka in 2/4 time? I can't even imagine it! With my skills, I'd be lucky to manage "Jingle Bells" as a waltz. You should post the polka version if you've got one. I'd love to at least hear the MIDI.
Thanks again. I'll come back to this post as I move toward my goal.
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Has anyone ever hear two pieces called: "The Darkest Midnight in December" and "Christmas Day is Come"?
They're both described as "Irish" in the book of Celtic flute music I purchased by Mel Bay, and although Mel Bay has a lot of tin whistle history, I would like to know if these pieces are traditional or something new written in what is presented as an "Irish" style.
"The Darkest Midnight in December" flows kind of like "The Butterfly", with points where certain sequences of notes seem to "bounce off" a long note with a sense of "swing". It has some almost classical overtones and an introspective feeling to it.
The first part of "Christmas Day is Come" doesn't seem to flow like most Irish, traditional forms. It makes me think of Brittany, though I lack the background to attach much meaning to this perception. I think it is based on the somewhat plodding nature of the piece with little segments here and there that have greater pace (like little musical frills).
Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I thought I'd try to learn a holiday tune or two (or three) from among those posted here. I started with "Christmas Comes But Once a Year". Keep in mind that I'm a beginner with this low D flute, and that its scale won't drop as low as some of the fiddler's tunes require. Any suggestions for the a couple more? I was hoping to find something that would communicate what makes these tunes Christmas music to someone without an ITM upbringing.
Thanks for any insights.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Arthur Nordstrom
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I don't play much flute and certainly have never tried this tune but what about Christmas Eve? It's a fairly lively tune
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by camwebby
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
That Kerry jig/Ballintore fancy set from the Bothy Band's Old Hag You Have Killed me sounds Christmasy to me
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/1437
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by airport
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/773
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Henk Bos
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
What the ? does "ITM" have to do with Christmas!????!!!!
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
balx - hehheh
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I haven't gotten around to posting it in th "tunes" section, but you might be able to learn "The Little Drummer Boy" by ear. it's not irish, but then...
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Jingle Bells played as a polka is just fine.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Henk Bos
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
"What the ? does "ITM" have to do with Christmas!????!!!!" ~pipewatcher
For good or bad ~ Catholicism...
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Here's three for starters:
1) The Holly Bush
2) The Ivy Leaf
3) The Sleigh Ride
.. all in this site's tune section ...
... I assume that you meant that "this site's sheet music"
(possessive useage, and thus needing an apostrophe) ...
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
I've yet to meet an Irish family, including non-Catholics, agnostics and aethiests, who didn't celebrate Christmas in some way...
There are previous discussion threads on site here with regards to tunes for the season...
2007: Favourite Christmas Tune
# Posted on December 23rd 2007 by Bannerman
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/16179
2007: Christmas suggestions requested
# Posted on October 9th 2007 by zippydw
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/15439
2005: Christmas Instrumental
# Posted on December 17th 2006 by ceolgal
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/12069
2005: Crisis at Christmas
# Posted on November 18th 2006 by Guernsey Pete
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/11779
2005: Sooo.. Christmas tunes? I think so!
# Posted on November 21st 2005 by fiddlinviolinin
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/8412
2005: Air for Christmas
# Posted on November 12th 2005 by lowdens
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/8339
2004: Tunes that really sound Christmassy
# Posted on December 18th 2004 by Justintime
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/5290
2004: Christmas coming
# Posted on November 15th 2004 by jorge o'lochlainn
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/4973
2003: Ohhhhhhhhh, Christmas tree O Christmas tree...
# Posted on December 1st 2003 by Zina Lee
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/2472
2003: Christmas Repertoire
# Posted on November 13th 2003 by Johannes J
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/2395
2002: Any Holiday Tunes to Play on the Fiddle??
# Posted on December 12th 2002 by BluFiddle
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/1148
2002: Christmas Carve Up
# Posted on November 24th 2002 by geoffwright
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/1099
2001: 'Christmas Eve' and Christmas Wishes to all
# Posted on December 17th 2001 by nic18
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/244
There are also a few "Bah Humbug!" threads too, but I've kept to the "make merry!" side of things... This isn't to stop the question being answered, but just to show that it seems ITM-O'Philes and this site regularly make a nod to celebrate this season annually... Special gatherings in the Winter months, for example to gather in supplies for those less well off, were common wherever the Scots or Irish found themselves. Celebration and charity are high points of ITM...
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Oops! ~ the 3rd and 4th links are 2006: ~
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Mary Did Not Get A Clinking
...if "a clinking" is what I've been told it means...
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by nicholas
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Christmas supplies ... there's a thought ...
So, three tunes connected with seasonal fare:
1) Turkey in the Straw
2) The Chicken Reel
3) Lumps of Plum Pudding
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Mix O'Lydian
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
"Christmas Eve" ~ reel
Key signature: G Major
Submitted on December 18th 2001 by Will CPT.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/440
This tune has been added to 328 tunebooks.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
"I Saw Three Ships"
Key signature: Gmajor
Submitted on December 11th 2006 by ceolachan.
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/6494
This tune has been added to 28 tunebooks.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Thanks Ceolachan for reminding us of the alternative "12 Days" one by Frank Kelly at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQkF7fpw-wI which is a real classic.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Bannerman
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Leg of the Duck?......
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Rudall the time
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
ceolochan- I respectfully decline to discuss religious matters and humbly apologise if my remarks offended you or anyone else. If there was a note of irritation, it was my reaction to the whole Celtic Christmas thing which is so sickeningly commercialised end exploited here. In my own sardonic way , I was saying that All of this music is pertinent to this season , regardless of tune names. That said, one of my all-time fave "seaonal" tunes: "The Cold, Frosty Morning"....Happy New Year!!
cheers, pipewatcher
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Micho used to play a tune 'Ducks die on Christmas Day'.
Otherwise you ca nalways get Finola Osiochru's CD 'Solas na Soilse'
http://osiochru.com/
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by Prof. Prlwytzkofski
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
At a guess Arthur, I think you might like the Wexford Carol - traditional hymn type air - here at http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/6500#details
but this wouldn't be very flute friendly in key it's noted in. From memory you can start on an A and go from there. Best to get a recording and play along.
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by the wounded hussar
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
pipewatcher ~ I'm not in disagreement there...
# Posted on December 5th 2008 by ceolachan
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
I had already purchased and begun to work through "A Celtic Flute Christmas". "Wexford Carol" and "I Saw Three Ships A'Sailin' In" were two that caught my attention in that book, as did a Scottish tune that sounds like "Morning Has Broken" but is associated with Christmas. Thanks "Mix". I think you were on track relative to my interests. Same to you "Camwebby" and the others with similar suggestions.
It sounds as if any tune with a winter theme or one associated with seasonal food, environmental conditions, plants used for decoration, or animals becomes a reasonable holiday tune in terms of its use for celebrations and dancing. ("As I Go Out Upon the Ice" comes to mind.) Interesting how this contrasts with the way that Christmas carols developed such a church oriented tone, even carols that have potential to be played in a more upbeat manner, such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I Saw Three Ships".
In Medieval times I understand that dancing was quite common on Christmas ("Tomorrow is My Dancing Day"). It seems that got lost in some cultures, as in the U.S., where Christmas celebrations were not always popular, and the holiday was treated as a solemn church event in many places.
I appreciate all the links. "Jingle Bells" as a polka in 2/4 time? I can't even imagine it! With my skills, I'd be lucky to manage "Jingle Bells" as a waltz. You should post the polka version if you've got one. I'd love to at least hear the MIDI.
Thanks again. I'll come back to this post as I move toward my goal.
# Posted on December 6th 2008 by Arthur Nordstrom
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
"We Three Kings" is a beautiful waltz to play for a Christmastime dance
# Posted on December 6th 2008 by pipewatcher
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
That's the story:
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/773
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/762
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/7889
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/2591
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/7844
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display/3749
# Posted on December 6th 2008 by swisspiper
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Welcome Christmas Morning by Jimmy Shand...... a lovely waltz. Not forgetting the jig 'Christmas Day in the Morning' aka 'Munster Buttermilk'
# Posted on December 6th 2008 by Free Reed
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
Has anyone ever hear two pieces called: "The Darkest Midnight in December" and "Christmas Day is Come"?
They're both described as "Irish" in the book of Celtic flute music I purchased by Mel Bay, and although Mel Bay has a lot of tin whistle history, I would like to know if these pieces are traditional or something new written in what is presented as an "Irish" style.
"The Darkest Midnight in December" flows kind of like "The Butterfly", with points where certain sequences of notes seem to "bounce off" a long note with a sense of "swing". It has some almost classical overtones and an introspective feeling to it.
The first part of "Christmas Day is Come" doesn't seem to flow like most Irish, traditional forms. It makes me think of Brittany, though I lack the background to attach much meaning to this perception. I think it is based on the somewhat plodding nature of the piece with little segments here and there that have greater pace (like little musical frills).
# Posted on December 7th 2008 by Arthur Nordstrom
Re: Top Three ITM Christmas Tunes in This Sites Sheet Music
fantastic!
# Posted on December 7th 2008 by pipewatcher