A Winter’s Carol

The sixth piece in the concert, entitled A Winter’s Carol, was arranged by Mark Williams (see below) in 1996.

It is a beautiful and stirring setting of the Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. The text of the song was originally written in Latin. It is a paraphrase of the “O Antiphons”, a series of plainchant “antiphons” (short chants used in Christian rituals), sung as a refrain attached to the Magnificat at Vespers over the final days before Christmas. The hymn has its origins over 1,200 years ago in the monastic life of the 8th and 9th centuries. Seven days before Christmas Eve, monasteries would sing the “O antiphons” in anticipation of Christmas Eve, when the eighth antiphon, “O Virgo virginum” (“O Virgin of virgins”) would be sung before and after Mary's canticle, the Magnificat (Luke 1:46b–55). The Latin metrical form of the hymn was composed as early as the 12th century.

The 1851 translation of the Latin hymn by John Mason Neale from “Hymns Ancient and Modern” is the most prominent by far in the English-speaking world, but other English translations also exist. Translations into other modern languages (particularly German) are also in widespread use. While the text may be used with many metrical hymn tunes, it was first combined with its most famous tune, often itself called Veni Emmanuel, in the English-language Hymnal Noted in 1851. Later, the same tune was used with versions of “O come, O come, Emmanuel” in other languages, including Latin.

As much a note to the band and conductor as to the audience, the arranger, Mark Williams, writes:

“This unique treatment of the Latin carol O Come, O Come, Emmanuel uses the rich colors of the concert band to create an exquisite miniature tone poem. After a first atmospheric then brooding introduction, the theme is introduced by the trombones. A very legato tonguing style should prevail here, reminiscent of Gregorian chant. After the first full statement of the theme, the mood changes to a slowly driving, yet intense processional. Adding a slight accent to each of the repeated quarter notes in the low reeds and timpani enhances the effect. A gradual accelerando and crescendo lead to a climactic Maestoso with fanfare embellishments by the trumpets. A return to the mood of the beginning brings this work to its serene conclusion.”

Composer Mark Williams (1956 – 2008) was one of the premier composers for school bands and orchestras. Co-author of the Accent on Achievement Band Method, he has over 200 published works to his credit. As a clinician and guest conductor, he traveled to 34 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia.

Mark was born in Chicago and grew up in Spokane, Washington. He held a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Education degrees from Eastern Washington University. He taught music in the Spokane area for many years, specializing in elementary band. Renowned for his compositions for band and orchestra, Mr. Williams earned numerous awards including the Western International Band Clinic’s Gralia Competition and several ASCAP Special Awards. In addition to his writing and travel schedule, Mark performed regularly on all woodwinds and served as the founding Conductor and Artistic Director for the Spokane British Brass Band.

The music for A Winter’s Carol was purchased for the band

by Stephanie and Bill Magnusson.