Christmas in 5/8

This composition is based on a German and a Dutch traditional Christmassong. As you may expect from The Hoempa Music Corporation, we did something special to this traditional songs. Rather then just copying the melodies, we transferred them into the swinging 5/8 measure.

As a second special element, we completed the percussion voices this time with a very special non-percussion instrument: the flute. If you can't find a flute player in the environment of your percussion group, then I would advise to play this voice using a second glockenspiel.

In principle, you may choose your own tempo in this composition. I like it best if its performed a bit on the slow side (say around 100 for the quarter notes), like in the attached MIDI. In this way it brings a real Christmas atmosphere (to me at least). However I can also imagine a bit quicker performance, where the 5/8 measure leads to a more virtuoso sound. Just feel free to experiment what you like best.

Midi

This composition now is also available as a MIDI file; just click the figure! Of course: The Hoempa Music Corporation offers you this service entirely free! 

Please note: It is just a MIDI file you hear; MIDI has many advantages, but one main disadvantage: What you actually hear depends largely on the quality of the soundcard in your PC! So, if you are not completely satisfied with the 'sound' as you here it: Don't complain at The Hoempa Music Corporation, but consider spending a bit more money on your soundcard! Or, even better: just see the MIDI sound as a simple intermediate to give you some vague idea of how beautiful it will sound if you would perform the music yourself!

The sheetmusic:

Below you find our completely free sheet music as a GIF file. Right click somewhere in between the notes to download, and click NEXT to go to the next sheet.

The arrangement of Christmas in 5/8 is made by The Hoempa Music Corporation. As far as we know there are no other copyrights on this music. For non-commercial performance, you may use and perform the Music as you like. The Hoempa Music Corporation would appreciate an E-mail in case of such performance, who knows, perhaps we will come and listen!

So, that's it! Note that for total performance you will need fourteen people: One to direct (unless you are extremely good), one flute player and twelve percussion players.

Finally: We wish you success, feel free to visit our guest book, and... see you next time on our website!