Yuletide, the season to be jolly, the festive season — it’s all about the same thing, celebrating with friends and family. Nothing could be more festive than attending a holiday concert together and hearing the music we all know and love. The arrangements on this page will make the songs you choose for any holiday musical event memorable. There are more Christmas Songs on the Natalie Cole page.
SONGS
Orchestration created for the Bell Telephone Hour. This song comes from the Broadway musical (and subsequent movie) “Song of Norway.” The recording below is the same song, but not the arrangement we have to rent. The recording comes from the movie adaptation of the stage show.
Music By Edvard Grieg, Music Adaptation and Lyrics by Robert Wright & George Forrest
Orchestration by Ken H.
KEY: F-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2/2/3(3rd+Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Drums, Xylo, Bells, Triangle / Harp, Piano / Strings
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook.
By William J. Kirkpatrick, Carl Mueller and James R. Murray
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: D
INSTRUMENTATION: Harp / Strings
This song comes from the Broadway musical “Subways Are For Sleeping”
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolh Green
Orchestration by Jim Tyler
KEY: B-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Drums, Perc:[Bells] / Guitar, Harp, Piano / Strings
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook.
By Amy Grant & Chris Eaton
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: D-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 3,1(EH),0,1 / 3,0,3,0 / Perc:[Vibes, SusCym,] / Kbd(Celesta), Harp / Strings
“Carol of the Bells” is based on the Ukrainian New Year’s song “Shchedryk.” According to Wikipedia, the music for the carol comes from the song written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych in 1914; the English-language lyrics were written in 1936 by Peter Wilhousky.” The orchestration we have is a straightforward classic rendition.
The recording below is from the motion picture “Home Alone,” scored by John Williams. We are not renting the actual John Williams version, but it’s really close in spirit to the wonderful orchestration we can rent. The movie version is light and etherial, ours has a lot more “body” because it’s orchestrated for a full woodwind section plus horns and trumpets.
The recording below is from the motion picture “Home Alone,” scored by John Williams. We are not renting the actual John Williams version, but it’s really close in spirit to the wonderful orchestration we can rent. The movie version is light and etherial, ours has a lot more “body” because it’s orchestrated for a full woodwind section plus horns and trumpets.
Music by: Mykola Leontovych, English lyrics by Peter Wilhousky
Arranged and Orchestrated by Steven Mercurio
KEY: G-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,2,2+Piccolo / 2,2,0,0 / Timpani, Perc:[Glock, Chimes, Tam-tam / Piano, Harp / Strings / Mixed (SATB) Chorus
Created for the Bell Telephone Hour, the medley consists of “Joy to the World,” “Away in the Manger,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Round de Glory Manger,” “Adeste Fidelis”
Arranger Unknown
KEYS: “Joy to the World” D-Flat, “Away in a Manger” D-Major, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” & “Round de Glory Manger” F-Major, “O Come All Ye Faithful” A-Flat-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet,1 / 4,3,3,1 / Timpani, Vibes, Chimes, Bells / Celesta, Harp / Strings / Mixed (SATB) Chorus & Solos
As sung on the Bell Telephone Hour
Tomas Oliphant wrote the lyrics in 1862 to a Welch folk song dating back to the 16th century.
Orchestrated by Kenyon Hopkins
KEY: F modulating to A-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet,1 / 4,3,3,1 / Perc: [Chimes, Bells, Snare Drum] / Piano, Harp / Strings / Mixed (SATB) Chorus
From the Andy Williams collection. Originally sung on his TV show by Andy and his brothers. According to Wikipedia, the song’s authors, “married at the time wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney had been invited by a record producer to write a Christmas song, but he was hesitant due to the commercialism of Christmas.
Music by Gloria Shayne, Lyrics by Noël Regney
Arranged by Robert Mersey
KEY: starts in C, ends in D-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 0,0,0,0 / 2,3,3,0 / Timp, Drums, Perc:[Chimes, Finger Cymbals, Glock] / Guitar, Piano / Strings
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin & Kay Thompson
Orchestrated by Eddie Karam
KEY: C-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 Fl, Alto Fl, Cl, BsCl / 1,4,3,0 / Perc:[Chimes, Jingle Bells, Glock) / Dr, Gtr, ElecBs / Harp, Piano / Strings (Violins, Violas, Cellos, DB)
Orchestration created for Andy Williams
At this moment I can’t find a recording of this symphonic version
Music by Felix Mendelssohn, Lyrics by Charles Wesley
Arranger: Ken Thorne; Orchestrated by Patrick Russ
KEY: G-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 3,2,3(3rd=BsCl),2 / 4,4,3,1 / Perc:[Chimes, Glock] / Strings / Piano/Conductor & Score (OPT: Piano,Drums,Guitar)
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook
Music and Lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: G
INSTRUMENTATION: R1:AltoFl; R2:EH; R3:CL; R4:BsCl; R5:Bsn / 3,0,3(III=BsTbn) / Drums, Perc:[Glock, Vibes, SusCym] / Guitar, Kbd(Celesta), Harp / Strings
Orchestration created for Andy Wlliams
Music and Lyrics by Tommie Connor
Orchestrated by Ken Thorne
KEY: C-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: Coming Soon
Music by Walter Kent, Lyrics by James “Kim” Gannon
Orchestration: Allyn Ferguson
KEY: F-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 3 Flutes, 1 Alto Flute,B-flat Contrabass Clarinet / 1 Horn, 2 Fluegels, 3 Trombones / Piano (Harpsichord), 12-String Guitar, Bass Gtr, Drums, Perc[Bean Bag, Bells, Triangle] / Harp, Violins, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
This score was performed by Andy Williams and the young Osmond brothers on one of Andy’s television shows. It can be done as a solo.
Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Arranged by Dave Grusin
KEY: Starts in A-flat Major then after several modulations ends up in E-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: R1: Flute, R2: Picc, Flute, R3: Oboe, Flute, R4: Clarinet, Flute, R5: Clarinet, ContraBs Clar, / 1,4,3,0 / Drums, Perc:[Chimes, Bells] / Guitar, Piano, Harp / Vlns, Vlas, Vc, Bs
By Edward Pola & George Wyle
Orchestrated by Ken Thorne
KEY: D modulating to E-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 Fl, Picc, 2 Ob/EH, 2 BbClar, BsCl, 2 Bsns; 4 FrHns, 3 Tpts, 2 TenTbn, BsTbn, Tuba; 2 Perc (Glk, Chimes) Dr, Gtr, Fend, Pno, Hp; Strings (Vlns, Vlas, Vcs, Bs)
By James Pierpont & Kay Thompson
Arranged by Kay Thompson, Orchestration reconstructed by Mark Lopeman
KEY: Starts in F, ends in A-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2(II=Picc),2,2,2 / 4,4,3,0 / Drums, Guitar / Perc:[Bells, Tamb, Chimes, Sleigh Bells, WB] / Piano, Electric Bass / Vln, Vla, VC, DB)
Originally performed by Andy Williams and his brothers on Andy’s television show, it can be done as a solo, a duet, or in whatever combination of singers you have.
Arranged by Billy Byers
KEY: G-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 Soprano Saxes, 1 Alto Sax, 1 Tenor Sax, 2 Clarinets / 4,2,1,1 / Percussion, Harp, Banjo, Tack Piano (featured) / Strings
This was originally Part 2 of a sequence of Christmas songs on the Bell Telephone Hour in 1964. The other songs in the sequence are “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “The Christmas Song,” “Silver Bells,” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
Music and Lyrics by James Lord Pierpont
Orchestrator unknown
KEY: E-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,1,1 / Perc:[Bells, Sleigh Bells, Triangle / Harp, Piano / Strings
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook.
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: C-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 Fl, Oboe, Alto Sax, E-flat ContrabassClarinet / 3,0,3,0 / Drums, Harp, Guitar, Keyboard / Perc:[Vibes, Glock, Triangle, Sus.Cym.] / Strings
For Choir or Soloist and Choir
Written by Jill Jackson-Miller and Sy Miller
Arranged and Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: C-Major modulating to D-flat-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 3,3(3rd=EH,3(3rd=BsClar),3 / 4,3,3(3rd=BsTbn,0 / Timp, Perc:[Vibes, Glock, SusCym, Snare, Piatti] / Harp / Strings[Vln I, Vln II, Vla, Vc I, VC II, DB
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook.
Music by Dick Charles (pseudonym of Richard Charles Krieg), Lyrics by Larry Markes
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: F-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 1,1,2,1 / 3,0,3,0 / Timp, Drums, Perc:[Vibes,Glock] / Guitar, Kbd(Celesta), Harp / Strings / Choir
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook
Music by David Foster, Lyrics by Linda Thompson-Jenner
Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEYS: F (Soprano), C (lower)
INSTRUMENTATION: Flute, 4 Fr.Horns, Kbd, ElecBs, Drums, Strings (Vlns, Vlas, Cellos, DB)
Orchestration created for Andy Wlliams
Music and Lyrics are sometimes credited to John Francis Wade
Arranged by Ernie Freeman
KEY: A-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 3,3(3rd=EH),3(3rd=BsCl,3 / 4,3,3,1 / Perc:[Glock, Vibes,Timp.] / Harpsichord, Strings / Piano/Conduitor (no score)
As sung on the Bell Telephone Hour
Music and Lyrics are sometimes credited to John Francis Wade
Arranger Unknown
KEY: A-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Perc:[Chimes] / Celesta, Harp / Strings / Chorus SATB
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook
Music and Lyrics by Adolphe Charles Adam
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: A-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 1,1,2,1 / 4,0,3,0 / Perc:[Tri,Chimes,Sus.Cym.,Timp.] / Harp, Strings / String Synth / Vocal & Choir
Orchestration created for the Bell Telephone Hour
Music by Lewis Redner, Lyrics by Phillips Brooks
Orchestration by Ardon Cornwell
KEY: Starts in G-flat, modulates to A-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 1,1,2,1 / 4,0,3,0 / Perc:[Tri,Chimes,Sus.Cym.,Timp.] / Harp, Strings / String Synth / Vocal & Choir
Originally performed by French singer Tino Rossi, over 30 million copies have been sold worldwide since it was written in 1946. Lyrics are in French.
Music by Henri Martinet, Lyrics by Raymond Vincy
This arrangement was inspired by the Josh Groban, David Foster recording. Since there is no recording of this exact version, you’ll get a clear idea from Josh’s performance.
KEY: B-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,2,2 / 3,0,3,1 / Timpani / Perc:[GLock, Sus.Cym.] / Harp / Full Strings
Orchestration created for the group “Il Volo.”
Music & Lyrics by Johnny Marks
Arranged by Mark Portmann
KEY: E-Major going to F-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 0,0,0,0 / 4,0,0,0 / Drum Set, Perc 1:[Tubular Bells],
Perc 2:[Tambourine, Sleigh Bells], Timpani / Keyboard / Full Strings / Vocal & Choir
I have been unable (so far) to find a recording. I’m still looking!
Music by Philip Springer, Lyrics by Joan Javits
Arranged by Don Pippin, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: F (soprano)
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),2 / 4,3,3,1 / Timp, Drs, Perc:[Xylo, Glock] / Harp, Keyboard / Strings
This was originally Part 4 of a sequence of Christmas songs sung by The Lennon Sisters and Thomas Mitchell on the Bell Telephone Hour in 1964. The other songs in the sequence are “Jingle Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” “Silver Bells,” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
Music by Philip Springer, Lyrics by Joan Javits
Orchestration by Ken Hopkins
KEY: G
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Timp, Drs, Perc:[Bells,Sleigh Bells] / Harp, Piano / Strings
Music by Philip Springer, Lyrics by Joan Javits
Arranged by Don Pippin, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: F (soprano)
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 Fl, 2 Ob, 2 Clar, Bs.Clar, 2 Bsns, 4 Horns, 3 Tpts, 3 Tbns, Tuba, Drs, Perc:[Xylo, Glock], Timp, Harp, Kbd, Strings (Violins, Violas, Cellos, ContraBs)
This is from an Andy Williams TV show, and can be heard on his commercially released recordings.
Music by J. Fred Coots, Lyrics by Haven Gillespie
Arranged by Ken Thorne
KEY: E-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: R1:Picc; R2:Flute; R3:Oboe; R4:Clar; R5:BsClar / 0,4,3,0 / Drs, Perc:[Bells] / Guitar, Piano, Rhythm Bass, Harp / Strings (Violins, Violas, Cellos, ContraBs)
This arrangement was “inspired” by Bruce Springsteen’s version, scored for a bigger orchestra. Conceived for soloists plus chorus, can also be a solo. Optional audience participation! A similar arrangement was performed on the television show “Glee.”
Music by J. Fred Coots, Lyrics by Haven Gillespie
Arranged and Orchestrated by Steven Mercurio
KEY: C Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 0,0,2,0 / 2,3,1,0 / Drs, Perc 1:[Vibes, Glock,], Perc 2:[Sleigh Bells] / Guitar, Piano, Electric Bass / Strings (Violins, Violas, Cellos, ContraBs) + optional Sax solo in the instrumental section (can also be Guitar solo)</div>
Originally sung by Rosemary Clooney, this was Part 5 of a sequence of Christmas songs on the Bell Telephone Hour in 1964. The other songs in the sequence are “Jingle Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Raindeer,” and “Silver Bells”
Music by J. Fred Coots, Lyrics by Haven Gillespie
Orchestrator unknown
KEY: G Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet,1 / 4,3,3,1 / Drums, Perc:[ Bells] / Harp, Piano / Strings
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook.
Music by Joseph Mohr, Lyrics by Franz Gruber
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: A-flat Major modulating to A-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 1(Alto Flute),1,2,1 / 3,0,3,0 / Drums, Perc:[Triangle,Glock] / Guitar, Kbd(Celesta), Harp / Strings / Choir
From the Andy Williams collection
Music by Jay Livingston, Lyrics by Ray Evans
Arranged & Orchestrated by Robert Mersey
KEY: B-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 Horns, 12-String Guitar, Piano (Harpsichord?), Drums, Glock, Harp, Strings
This was originally Part 6 of a sequence of Christmas songs on the Bell Telephone Hour in 1964. “Silver Bells” was performed by The Lennon Sisters and Thomas Mitchell. The other songs in the sequence are “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Raindeer,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
Music by Jay Livingston, Lyrics by Ray Evans
Orchestration by Ken Hopkins
KEY: B-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Drums, Perc:[Bells,Chimes] / Harp, Piano / Strings,
From the Andy Williams collection
Music by Leroy Anderson, Lyrics by Mitchell Parish
Orchestration by Billy Byers:
KEY: E-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 3(3rd=Picc),3(3rd=EH),3(3rd=BsClar),3(3rd=Contra) / 4,3,3,1 / Drums,Perc:[Sleigh Bells] / Piano, Harp / Strings
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook.
By Carl Sigman and Mickey J. Addy
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: B-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,1,1,1 / 3,0,3,0 / Drums, Perc:[Glock] / Guitar, opt.Piano, Harp / Strings
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook
By Mel Tormé & Robert Wells
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: starts in A-flat, modulates to B-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 1(Alto Flute),1,2,1 / 3,0,3,0 / Drums, Perc:[Vibes,Glock,Crotales,SusCym,MarkTree] / Guitar, Kbd(Celesta), Harp / Strings
Originally sung by Rosemary Clooney, this was Part 3 of a sequence of Christmas songs on the Bell Telephone Hour in 1964. The other songs in the sequence are “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Raindeer,” and “Silver Bells”
By Mel Tormé & Robert Wells
Orchestration by Kenyon Hopkins
KEY: B-flat
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Drums, Perc:[Bells] / Harp, Celesta / Strings
John Raitt & Risé Stevens sang to this Orchestration on the Bell Telephone Hour
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Arranger Unknown
KEY: F
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),1 / 4,3,3,1 / Drum Set, Perc:[Triangle,Sleigh Bells,Chimees,Snare, Cym,Bells] / Piano Harp / Strings
Music by Jimmy Van Heusen, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
ARRANGER: John Oddo
KEY: F
INSTRUMENTATION: 3,3(3rd=Eng.Horn),3(3rd=Bass Clarinet),3(3rd=Contrabassoon) / 4,3,3,1 / Drums, Perc:[Orchestra Bells, Sus.Cym] / Guitar, Rhythm Bass, Harp, Piano / Strings
Music and Lyrics by Frederick Silver
Arranged by Don Pippin, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: D Major modulating to E-flat Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,2,3(III=BsCl),2 / 4,3,3,1 / TImp, Perc:[Glock, Xylo, Tri, SusCym] / Harp, Strings
We couldn’t locate an audio recording with this orchestration.
When it was part of Newton Wayland’s rental library, it was rented often!
Music and Lyrics by Frederick Silver
Orchestrated by Newton Wayland
KEY: Starts in E, ends in G
INSTRUMENTATION: 3 Fl (III. dbl Picc), 3 (III.=EH), 3 (I & II in A & B-flat, III.=BsClar in A & B-flat), 3(III.=Contrabsn) / 4,3,3,1 / Timp, Perc:[Chimes, Xylo, Vibes, Glock, Tri (hi & low), Snare, Tenor Drum, Bs Drum, Sus.Cym, Slide Whistle] / Piano(Celeste), Harp / Strings / Vocal Score and Orchestral Score
From the Andy Williams collection.
AUTHORSHIP: According to Wikipedia, “A large number of different melodies have been associated with the song, of which the best known is derived from a 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin.” Austin also wrote the words, but they have been changed with many variations.
Arranged by George Wyle
KEY: Starts in F, modulates in 1/2 steps and ends in G
INSTRUMENTATION: Flute, Guitar, Drums, Bells / Strings, Piano-Conductor, Score, Vocal parts
Orchestration created for Barbara Cook
Music by Felix Bernard, Lyrics by Richard B. Smith
Arranged by Wally Harper, Orchestrated by Larry Blank
KEY: Starts in A-Major, modulates to B-Major and ends in C-Major
INSTRUMENTATION: 2,1,2(2nd=BsCl),1 / 3,0,3(3rd=BsTbn),0 / Drum Kit, Perc:[Sleigh Bells, Vibes, Tri, Chimes or Glock] / Piano, Guitar, Harp, REAL Celesta / Strings
ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS
For information about this suite click here
INSTRUMENTATION: 3(3=Piccolo),2(2=Cor Anglais),2,2/4,2,2,1/Timp, 2 Percussion[Glock, Tri, Chimes, Tabor(or High TomTom), Song Bells(ad lib)]/Celesta (ad lib), Harp, Strings & Choir