Celtic music covers a broad spectrum of music genres that evolved out of Northwestern European folk music traditions. It refers to both orally transmitted traditional music and recorded music, with the styles varying considerably. Celtic states include Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Galicia, Brittany, and Cornwall. This arrangement includes Christmas carols from England, Ireland, and the Isle of Man (Manx). Flutists are encouraged to avoid using vibrato, except during solos, adhering to the tradition of imitating the pure tone quality of the human voice frequently heard in Celtic singing.

The Wexford Carol, Ireland’s oldest Christmas carol dating from the 12th century, starts with a drone and features solos in the lower-voiced flutes. Percussive effects are added to imitate the sound of a pipe band percussion section, or, if your ensemble is a smaller group, the Irish frame drum. *Flutists are to use the syllable “Ch,” as an articulation for the indicated pitch, in a beat-box style: smile, baring the teeth, which should be closed together, and forcefully whisper “cha” on indicated x noteheads to create this effect. Note: Be aware of the rhythmical patterns, making certain there is a difference in length between sixteenth and eighth-note percussion notation.

The Sussex Carol, a popular English Christmas carol whose lyrics are rooted in the late 17th century, include “On Christmas night all Christians sing, to hear the news the angels bring.” This carol should be played in a light, dance-like manner. The opening lyrics She Shoh yn Laa! (This is the Day!), from the Isle of Man, starts with a lone piccolo solo, but without vibrato, due to the tempo. The opening lyrics announce the birth of Christ: “This is the day of Jesus’ birth. Why should we not sing?” The Sussex Carol is reintroduced as an obligato part on the final verse.

The second Irish carol in the arrangement, Don Oiche Ud I mBeithil (That Night in Bethlehem), has a haunting melody with unclear origin. The harmonic line should quietly support the melody (harmony in Celtic music is quite often not present) and be secondary to the sotta voce piccolo obligato part.

Celtic Christmas Carols is dedicated to the members of Flute Flock – Gettysburg, a wonderful group of flutists who share their love of flute choir music in their community and beyond, performing in church services, for retirement communities, patriotic events, and festivals.

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