THE CHRISTMAS FIDDLER

violin (2 violins) and piano, guitar ad lib. Christmas fiddlers can draw on a rich and varied repertoire. This collection spans seven centuries, from the boisterous medieval Song of the Ass to contemporary tunes like Sleigh ride, taking in such traditional carols as Away in a manger and O little town of Bethlehem along the way. There is music in The Christmas Fiddler from England, Wales, France, Germany and North America. Of course Christmas time is not only a religious festival. Much of the music here – the Welsh carol Deck the hall, the (fireside) movement from The Four Seaons, the modern classic Chestnuts roasting on an open fire – is as much a celebration of the ancient secular festival of the Winter Solstice. The arrangements in this collection can be performed as solos or duets, or by larger ensembles. The keyboard accompaniments are there for a multitude of purposes, from concert performances to playing at home; and the violin accompaniments will be invaluable for those Christmas busking sessions. The full range of traditional fiddle repertoire is now at your fingertips! Using these generous collections, you can create your own ceilidh, barn dance, jazz club, Sarajevo street-cafe or Gypsy gathering. Some of this music is familiar, some more exotic, but all of it is absolutely authentic, faithfully arranged and, above all, hugely enjoyable. Each title in the series is available in two formats: the violin edition (with an optional easy violin part and guitar chord); or the complete edition, which also includes both keyboard and violin accompaniments. Either format is hugely flexible, which means the music can be played as solos, duets or trios as well as with larger ensembles. Edward Huws Jones has travelled extensively researching fiddle-playing traditions. In each book he explains the background of the particular musical style, giving his own suggestions for a lively performance. And to help recreate the spirit of the music, every book in the series is beautifully illustrated. Away in a manger – The Christmas song – Deck the hall with boughs of holly – Gaudete – Good King Wenceslas – Il est né, le divin enfant – Jingle bells – O little town of Bethlehem – Once in royal David s city – Pastoral symphony – Silent night – Sleigh ride – Song of the ass – We three kings of Orient are – Winter from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi)