The Wexford Carol

This unique arrangement of the beautiful & haunting Christmas favorite The Wexford Carol allows you to feature either a singer (mezzo soprano or soprano) or instrumental soloist (trumpet, clarinet, oboe, soprano saxophone, violin) with your percussion ensemble.

Genre: Soloist(s) with Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 7-9 + Soloist
Level: Medium | Duration: 6:15

Instrumentation
Solo Voice (Soprano/Mezzo Soprano) or Instrument (B-flat & C parts included)

Bells
Vibraphone 1
Vibraphone 2*
Chimes
Marimba 1 (4-octave or shared 5-octave with Marimba 3)
Marimba 2 (4-octave)
Marimba 3 (5-octave)*
Percussion 1 (2 Timpani, Low D Crotale, Egg Shaker, Suspended Cymbal)
Percussion 2 (Tam-Tam, Bongos, Sleigh Bells)
Piano (optional)*

*Vibraphone 2 and/or Marimba 3 are optional if the instruments are unavailable. However, if either instrument is omitted, you must use the optional Piano part. The included piano part may also be used as a piano reduction to accompany the solo voice or instrument without the percussion ensemble.

Program Notes
The Wexford Carol was arranged specifically for my friends Stephanie Foley Davis, Andrew Dancy, and the 2014 Marimba Christmas Ensemble (Greensboro, NC). It has been a favorite Christmas carol of mine ever since I heard the angelic sounds of Alison Krauss singing it on Yo Yo Ma’s holiday album, “Songs of Joy & Peace." With the included B-flat and C solo parts, the arrangement may be performed with an instrument such as trumpet, clarinet, oboe, soprano saxophone, or violin.