Beginning with a soprano saxophone solo that uses the opening note pattern of “Joy to the World! the Lord is come” six hymns appear on the program with a variety of expressions. The first of the six hymns, “Joy to the World! the Lord is come” is a hymn that announces the birth of Christ in high spirits. In this piece, two arrangements of the hymn appear in succession, one in a pops style and the other in a counterpoint style. In contrast, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is a hymn about the birth of Christ in a small town on a quiet night, never in a luxurious place. It is arranged with a lullaby-like accompaniment. The hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” has the characteristic lyrics, “Gloria in excelsis Deo” It is the words of the angel announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds, meaning, “Glory to God in the highest. The arrangement has a bouncy rhythm like the steps of the shepherds on their way to the town of Bethlehem. ""God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” is written in a minor key, which is unusual for a Christmas hymn. We arranged it in a jazz style. After a piano interlude, “The first noel” is a hymn that quietly sings about the events of Christmas. The arrangement is simple so as to emphasize the somewhat sad melody. The final hymn, “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” is a hymn with a festive atmosphere. I used piano fanfares and soprano saxophone glissandos to create a gorgeous arrangement to conclude the medley.
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*The reference source is an organ performance, but the score has been reorganized for piano.
