Notes and Links to Gwyneth Walker’s Appalachian Carols

These Appalachian Carols either had their origins in the Appalachian Mountains, or were adopted and transformed by that region. Thus, they are considered part of the folk and spiritual tradition of the Appalachian musical heritage.

These new arrangements for chorus and brass quintet aim to retain the melodic and harmonic simplicity of the original carols, while expanding upon the inherent character of each song. Therefore, “Wondrous Love” is presented in a straightforward manner, perhaps similar to a Processional. The block chords in the brass evolve into fluid lines to usher in the verse “Ye winged seraphs fly.” And newly-composed passages of “Hosanna to the new-born King” are woven into the original song. Harmonies in this setting are purposely open and sparse, within a folk idiom.

“Cherry Tree Carol” exists in many versions. The origin of this melody is Kentucky. The words are a composite of various sources. And the focus of this interpretation is the sense of fear and awe that Joseph and Mary felt upon realizing that their baby would be the Son of God. “On the day of my birth, you will tremble with fear.

Before this serious ending, however, there is time to dally picking cherries!

“Go Tell it on the Mountain” is a spiritual in origin. This arrangement is in a swing rhythm. And a blues element is added through mixing of major and minor harmonies. This is a particularly joyous song.

Performance Notes

The Carols encompass a wide variety of moods: solemn, energetic, reverent, humorous, reflective and joyous. In order for the entire presentation to work most effectively, it is recommended that the tempo markings in each song be carefully observed. “Wondrous Love” opens slowly, with solemnity. But the tempo picks up considerably at letter G. And a joyous, lighter approach fills the music by letter I.

The “Cherry Tree Carol” with its many verses, is a ballad. It is important to initiate a tempo of 126 in order to allow the music to flow onward moderately quickly. One might conduct one beat per measure when comfortable. An entertaining approach to this song is to have the men and women sing looking towards each other, answering back and forth. This highlights the humorous sections at letters G, H and I.

“Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head” is scored for solo Soprano, Tenor and Horn. The concept is to present Mary and Joseph singing to the Baby. Therefore, light voices might be most appropriate to this simple setting. The Horn may play from off stage.

“Go Tell it on the Mountain” is to be performed very joyfully. Singers must sing out! And once again, the tempi are critical to the structure of the song. The refrains are at a lively tempo of 96. And the verses are at 72, in a quasi-recitative style, with breaks between each phrase. Pay close attention to the tempi in the closing sections.

The intention of the Appalachian Carols is to provide music that is both sacred and entertaining for a Holiday Concert. Joy and humor are present along with reverence. A chorus with personality is best suited to this music.

The brass quintet writing calls for moderately skilled players. A college ensemble could perform the music, given adequate rehearsal time.

Notes by the composer

Download an MP3 file of What Wondrous Love (SATB version) performed by Sonoma Valley Chorale, James Griewe, conductor.
Download an MP3 file of Cherry Tree Carol (SATB version)
Download an MP3 file of Go Tell It On The Mountain (SATB version)