Sussex Carol
An optional treble solo (or unison choir) with a simple choral handchime or handbell accompaniment begins this setting of the traditional English Sussex Carol (“On Christmas Night All Christians Sing.”) Alternatively, the solo melody may be played on bells. Subsequent stanzas are played at a quicker tempo, and the increased use of mallets and thumb damps in the rhythmic accompaniment figures lends a dance-like quality to these stanzas. The final triumphant stanza moves into 3/4 meter, followed by a short recap in 6/8. Optional parts for finger cymbals (triangle), tambourine and muffled drum are also included. 106 measures. Keys of F Major, Bb Major, Eb Major, and C Major.