Christmas Brass 2025 Program Notes

With Brass Conductor Dr. Frank Cook

Program notes by Bailey Dorsey, Kathleen Cook, and Micayla Bellamy Adams

Christmas Fanfare (3’)

Alex Cauthen’s “Christmas Fanfare” takes fragments of “Deck the Halls” and “The Little Drummer Boy” and reimagines these familiar tunes for brass. Following the introduction, the composition showcases the horn, with interruptions from a trumpet. “Christmas Fanfare” features a trombone and a tuba solo. Cauthen wrote this composition for the Dallas Brass and also played tuba in the ensemble.

Selections from Lieutenant Kijé (6’)

Lieutenant Kijé was not only Sergei Prokofiev’s first film score, but also the first piece he composed upon returning to his Russian homeland after spending 10 years in Paris. While Paris championed experimental music, Prokofiev understood that the score for Lieutenant Kijé needed to be accessible for a wide audience. The film is about a clerical error that is blown out of proportion. When a nonexistent soldier named Lieutenant Kijé is entered into the rolls of a military company, worried officials must craft a life story for the soldier to save face.

Lo, How a Rose E‘er Blooming (3’)

“Es ist ein Ros entsprungen” is the original title for this German hymn that dates back to the 15th century. Michael Praetorius harmonized it in 1609, and many other composers have adapted his version. For example, Johannes Brahms used the composition as a basis for an organ chorale prelude in 1896.

Les Patineurs (The Skater’s Waltz) (6’)

“The Skater’s Waltz,” also known as “Les Patineurs,” was written by the French composer Émile Waldteufel in 1882. The piece captures a winter day in Paris and depicts ice skaters. “The Skater’s Waltz” is just one of over 250 dances by Waldteufel.

INTERMISSION

Festivus (4’)

Your Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Brass proudly presents the world premiere of “Festivus” by Dana Paul Perna. Perna is a composer, musicologist, and host of The Dana Paul Perna Powerhouse podcast.

We Three Kings (4’)

John Henry Hopkins’ “We Three Kings” was composed in 1857 for a Christmas pageant. The carol is about the three gift-bearing Magi who follow a star to find the baby Jesus. Hopkins wrote both the text and the music, originally titling the carol “Three Kings of Orient.” The song was later published in his book, Carols, Hymns, and Songs. “We Three Kings” was one of the first American carols to receive widespread popularity.

Carol of the Bells (5’)

“Carol of the Bells” was not originally a Christmas song. The four-note melody originated in Ukraine, where it was sung in celebration of the new year. In 1916, Mykola Leontovych used this melody as the basis for his work, “Shchedryk.” The composition is about a swallow flying into a household and telling the family they will have a bountiful year. American arranger and choral director Peter Wilhousky heard the piece and was reminded of bells. He wrote new lyrics, and “Carol of the Bells” became the song we know today.

March of the Toys (5’)

“March of the Toys” is taken from the 1903 operetta Babes in Toyland. The operetta brings together characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes for a Christmas extravaganza. Victor Herbert, the composer, was an Irish-American and wrote 43 operettas in his lifetime.

INTERMISSION

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (3’)

The roots of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” date back to the 8th or 9th century. Seven days prior to Christmas Eve, monasteries would sing the “O antiphons,” which are verses meant to focus one’s mind and heart on the coming of Christmas. The “O Emmanuel” antiphon was typically sung on December 23rd. The antiphon was restructured into metrical verse form in the 12th century and was published in Latin as “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel” in 1710. In 1851, John Mason Neale translated the hymn into English.

Ave Maria (5’)

The Catholic “Ave Maria” prayer has been set to music by many composers. It is one of the most frequently performed musical works in history, with major renditions spanning classical, opera, and popular music including artists like Bocelli, Pavoratti, and Sinatra; and more recently, Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, and Michael Bublé. Biebl’s “Ave Maria” was originally written for double choir. Yager’s orchestration, of course, reworks the piece for brass ensemble.

And the Glory of the Lord (4’)

“And the Glory of the Lord,” is the joyful opening chorus of Handel’s monumental Messiah oratorio. Handel’s skillful rendering of well-known Biblical texts significantly contributed to the Messiah’s popularity. Text from Isaiah carries this chorus as it proclaims the glory, power, and majesty of the Lord, reflecting both divine authority and tender care. Repeating the entrances of the chorus creates a sparkling mosaic of sound; voices and instruments bring the text vividly to life. It's a chorus full of optimism, unity, and triumphant assurance.

The Great Jingle Bell Chase (4’)

A spirited musical romp, this mashup of pieces captures the playful magic of Christmas Eve with high energy and festive imagination. In this clever brass and percussion setting, Bubbett blends the familiar joy of Jingle Bells with another well-known chorus, whisking listeners into an adventure of sound and sleigh bells.The music conjures images of Santa Claus racing against time, bells in full jangle- as he hurries to deliver presents before dawn—a chase brimming with rhythm, momentum, and holiday cheer.

Christmas Brass is sponsored by Signature Stone - Dale Boehner & Wheeler Family Partnership - Dan Wheeler, and Generations Church.

Adelyn WimmerDecember 18, 2025brass