Joy to the World

Mason, Lowell

$12.50
$12.50

Arranged by Nigel Williams

The Christmas carol Joy to the World was arranged by Lowell Mason in 1848. According to the Saskatoon Symphony: "The music's origins are unclear. The name Antioch is generally used for the tune. It is often attributed to George Frederic Handel on the grounds of a chance resemblance to choruses in the Messiah, not least because a theme of the refrain (And heaven and nature sing…) appears similar to the orchestral opening and accompaniment of the recitative "Comfort ye." Likewise, the first four notes seem to match the beginning of the choruses "Lift up your Heads" and "Glory to God" from the same oratorio. However, there is no autographed score by Handel and no currently known documentary evidence to suggest that Handel wrote it, so Antioch remains, at best, a skillful collection of borrowings from Handel."

The use of dotted eighth and sixteenth notes for the introduction, and imitative contrapuntal lines throughout, make this arrangement a majestic interpretation of the popular tune.

Watch a sample YouTube video (virtual audio)

• View Sample PDF

Playing time: 2:05
Level: 4½/5 (Univ→Pro)

Parts
Joy to the World

$12.50

Testimonials

  • I have had excellent results from your downloadable music web site. Thanks for being a good souce for good music.

    Tom Benshoof
    Totally "Bone"afide Trombone Quartet

  • Thanks for the quick service. It's pretty impressive. We're looking forward to playing the new arrangements.

    Jay Crouch
    The North American Brass Company

  • Brad at musicforbrass.com has been extremely helpful in providing selections for our ensemble. His response to requests and his willingness to go out of his way to help is rare and appreciated!

    Alexander Cannon
    Tree O'Brass Ensemble