John Rutter
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Works Info
Composer:John RutterGenre:ChoralAverage_duration:3:47"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a popular Christmas carol that has been arranged and composed by various musicians over the years. One of the most famous arrangements of this carol was composed by John Rutter, a British composer, conductor, and arranger. Rutter's version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was first premiered in 1985 and has since become a beloved holiday classic. Rutter's arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is divided into twelve movements, each representing one of the twelve days of Christmas. The movements are arranged in a traditional choral style, with a mix of solo and ensemble singing. The carol is sung in English, with each verse describing a gift given on each day of Christmas. The first movement begins with the traditional opening verse, "On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree." The subsequent movements follow the same pattern, with each verse adding a new gift to the list. The final movement concludes with a grand finale, featuring all twelve gifts and a rousing chorus of "five golden rings!" Rutter's arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate vocal arrangements, and joyful spirit. The music is upbeat and celebratory, capturing the festive mood of the holiday season. The use of soloists and ensemble singing adds depth and variety to the piece, while the repetition of the gifts in each verse creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. Overall, John Rutter's arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a beloved holiday classic that captures the joy and spirit of the season. Its catchy melody, intricate harmonies, and joyful lyrics make it a favorite among choirs and audiences alike, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed around the world every holiday season.More....