Carol of the Merry Gentlemen: Based on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Carol of the Bells

"Carol of the Merry Gentlemen" is a clever pairing of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" and "Carol of the Bells." Beginning with an ethereal echo of "Carol of the Bells," the trumpets present eerie fragmentations of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in cannon and in hocket with increasing rhythmic complexity and tension. The Allegro that results intersperses one tune on top of the other in turbulent hockets and canons as well. Full of surprising effects, such as subito mute changes and playing into the stand, this piece brings new life to these beloved carols.