Bill Perconti

The Sleep of the Infant Jesus

Hymns and Carols are the two main sources for the melodies that are associated with traditional Christmas music. While hymns are predominately sacred, the historical roots of carols are in religious and pagan folk music and dance. The latter association with pagan and dance music has throughout history brought carols alternatively in and out of favor with Christmas worship. Fortunately, interest in Christmas music has grown in the 20th century, and has led to the popularity it presently enjoys. The Sleep of the Infant Jesus is a ballad carol that is also a lullaby. Traditionally French, the tune dates before 1800, but the composer is unknown. Although little known, the tune is a beautiful and serene Christmas folk melody. This arrangement for saxophone quartet, rather than favoring a soprano solo with accompaniment, strives to include all the players in the music making, particularly by distributing melodic material. In addition, all dynamics and articulations should be taken as suggestions only, as performers are encouraged to make their own interpretations.