Two Preludes for December

Two Preludes for December for Double Flute Choir
Arranged by Claudia Bissett
Scored for Double Flute Choir (4 C Flutes, 2 Alto Flutes, 2 Bass Flutes)

I. Nun kommt der Heidern Heiland by Samuel Scheidt
II. In dulci jubilo by Michael Praetorius

Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) and Samuel Scheidt (1587-1621) were both great German church musicians of the late Renaissance/early Baroque. Nun kommt der Heiden Heiland is a hymn for the Advent season, while In dulci jubilo is well-known as a Christmas carol in many countries. Each prelude was composed to be performed by 2 consorts of matching instruments, whether voices, viols, recorders or brass. In this arrangement for double flute choir, the articulations and phrasing mimic the correspondence of the lyrics to the notes, and should be followed exactly. There are no dynamic markings but the volume changes naturally as the number of players increases and decreases throughout each piece. Each flutist should keep vibrato to a minimum, concentrating on matching timbre and tone with the other performers.