Variations on Rejoice and Be Merry (The Gallery Carol) for reed trio (oboe, clarinet, bassoon)

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Description

Instrumental arrangement of a traditional English Christmas carol.
The words and tune are from an old church-gallery tune-book in Dorset. The present whereabouts of the gallery book are not known.

Lyrics

Rejoice and be merry in song and in mirth;
O praise our Redeemer, all mortals on earth!
For this is the birthday of Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: his praises we’ll sing.

A heavenly vision appeared in the sky;
Vast numbers of angels the shepherds did spy,
Proclaiming the birthday of Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: his praises we’ll sing.

Likewise a bright star in the sky did appear,
Which led the wise men from the East to draw near;
They found the Messiah, sweet Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: his praises we’ll sing.

And when they were come, they their treasures unfold,
And unto him offered myrrh, incense and gold.
So blessed for ever be Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation: his praises we’ll sing.