"Merry! Don't You Know?", by David Ahrens
"Merry! Don't You Know?" for Wind Band, by David Ahrens.
Grade 3
This and all of David Ahrens' compositions are available for sale at http://www.sounded.us/baseline/shop/
Please support music in our schools!
Please support independent composers!
“God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” is a traditional English Christmas carol dating to the mid 17th Century. It was referenced by Charles Dickens in his 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” but with the lyric:
“God bless you, Merry Gentleman!
May nothing you dismay!”
The phrase “God rest you merry” historically meant “may God grant you peace and happiness”. “Rest you merry” was used both in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” and “Romeo and Juliet”. Over time, there has been confusion over this title due to changes in common language usage. The word ‘merry’ is an adverb of rest and not an adjective of Gentlemen.
“Pat-A-Pan” is a traditional Burgundian French Christmas carol written by Bernard de La Monnoye and published in 1720. The text calls for the bringing of a drum and flute to play for newborn Jesus Christ in worship. The title is onomatopoeic for the sound of a drum, as is the additional lyric “tu-re-lu-re-lu” for the sound of a flute.
“Yigdal” is a Jewish hymn and prayer that is a poetic adaptation of Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith. The text is attributed to 14th century poet Daniel ben Judah. The melody dates to the 17th century or earlier. It is traditionally sung for morning prayer and as the conclusion of Shabbat evening services. Upon hearing Yigdal, English Methodist Thomas Olivers adapted this melody for use in his Christian hymn “The God of Abraham Praise”, which is a paraphrase of the ben Judah doxology, and was first published in 1772.
“Merry! Don’t You Know?” is a playful melding of these sacred songs, acting as a reminder that Christmas is a time to be merry and joyful as we celebrate the nature, power, and love of God.
-
1:48:30
Donald Trump Jr.
10 hours agoJill & Joe Have Dems Pressing the Panic Button, Taking Your Questions live! | TRIGGERED Ep.150
142K334 -
2:36:18
WeAreChange
5 hours agoBlack Sex Magic Explained... And Elite Satanic Pedo Culture Exposed!
44.6K24 -
50:14
Kimberly Guilfoyle
8 hours agoLandmark Supreme Court Immunity Case, Plus Dems' Prop 47 Madness, Live with Jesse Binnall & ASM Bill Essayli | Ep. 138
54.2K33 -
1:03:39
In The Litter Box w/ Jewels & Catturd
1 day agoBidens Blame Staff | In the Litter Box w/ Jewels & Catturd – Ep. 598 – 7/1/2024
100K58 -
7:03:22
Akademiks
13 hours agoDrake's Goons Run Down on Rick Ross in Vancouver! PND vs Chris Brown. Wunna a Rat? Foolio Alive?
126K25 -
13:32
Bearing
12 hours ago"Biden Totally Won" Lefties COPE HARD Over Trump Debate
34.8K34 -
1:58:14
Revenge of the Cis
7 hours agoEpisode 1346: Doctor Death
72.4K31 -
2:01:02
Film Threat
11 hours agoVERSUS: THE ACOLYTE VS. HOUSE OF THE DRAGON | Film Threat Versus
58.8K3 -
1:48:49
The Quartering
11 hours agoTrump GRANTED Immunity By Supreme Court, Biden OUT After Panic & Much More
110K100 -
32:56
TudorDixon
7 hours agoCovert Child Sex Change Surgeries at Texas Children's Hospital | The Tudor Dixon Podcast
66.7K11