This quartet is based on three famous carols. It begins with a free transcription of the song "One Horse Open Sleigh”, which was composed by James S. Pierpont (1822-1893). I can imagine that this title means absolutely nothing to most of you, but if I call it "Jingle Bells”? I bet that it becomes very clear and known to everybody! The beginnig of this song comes as surprise as you do not imediately recognize it, but this “surprise effect” does not take long as it quickly turns totally familiar to you! Then starts a swing, slower version of the song "Stille Nacht,” written by Franz Xaver Gruber (1787–1863). The English version is called “Silent Night,” which is followed by "Nos Galan.” Reports of this song were found in the 17th century, but it is believed that it was written much earlier by an anonymous composer from Wales. Nowadays it is known as "Deck the Halls”, which is presented here accompaniment by stopped sounds.
A smal bridge introduces the three songs played at the same time, these are gradually led to the reexposition. On this part there is a metrical crossing that creates a discrepancy between the number of bars on the different parts. For that reason bar numbers were not included, so all rehearsel letters should be taken on account.
This piece is dedicated to “Trompas Lusas” Horn Quartet.