The Huron Carol

The Huron Carol

Jerry Frazier

Holiday Music - Grade 1.5

The haunting Huron Carol (Twas in the Moon of Wintertime) is Canada's oldest Christmas hymn.  This setting by Jerry Frazier offers the band the opportunity  to capture the wintery mood and texture of this lovely piece. The Huron Carol was written circa 1642 by Jean de Brebeuf in the native American language of the Huron people of Quebec, Canada. Written in a modal style, the piece is decidedly different from most carols.

The rhythms are simple, ranges are moderate, and doubling is frequent, so preparation time should be minimal.  Students will enjoy performing this music and audiences will like hearing it.  Much historical information is available online, so a brief history can add context to your concert.