Variations on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
This fun and rhythmic setting of a beloved hymn begins with a fanfare to the tune of "Carol of the Bells" and quickly moves to variations with plenty of twists and turns. The first statement of the melody is chordal and straightforward, the second includes a more ornamental melody with stopped sounds in the bass, and the final variation moves to 6/8 time. Hints of "Carol of the Bells" can be heard near the end, as well. Set in c minor, this piece is 92 measures.