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Diary entry

2 December 2000

English Christmas Carol Medley

arranged by Anne Ku

While arranging The First Noel, it occurred to me that many traditional carols followed traditional chord progressions. The First Noel, The Holly and the Ivy, and Away in a Manger all seemed to start out the same. So I decided to superimpose the melodies on the same arpeggio accompaniment.

With only slight modifications, I was able to produce this simple medley of familiar old Christmas tunes. Of course, had I more time, I could really have fun varying the themes, accompaniment, and other juxtapositions. After all, music is like mathematics - different permutations of notes, chords, progressions. Now, why didn't I major in music instead of mathematics?

The first Noel, the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields, where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.