O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel)

The score is a little confusing. This is how to mark up your score so you know which is your line.

First thing to know – the whole piece repeats, and the second time around is not the same as the first.

Bars 1-15 first time – All sopranos and any adventurous altos (it’s not too high) sing the tune with the top line of words, up to…

Bar 16 – the top line now belongs just to Soprano 1, with the top line of words, through to bar 27

Bar 17 – We now have three staves for choir (plus two for piano). The second stave is Sop 2 and Alto; the third is Tenor and Bass. Top set of words for everyone.

Bar 27 – Everyone is on the second and third staves. Stave 2 All Sops and Altos; Stave 3 Tenor and Bass. Top set of words.

REPEAT

Bars 1-15 second time – Tenors and Basses with the bottom line of words, up to…

Bar 16 – the top line Soprano 1 as before, with the bottom line of words, through to bar 27

Bar 17 – Same as before, the second stave is Sop 2 and Alto; the third is Tenor and Bass. Bottom set of words.

Bar 27 – Same as before, stave 2 All Sops and Altos; Stave 3 Tenor and Bass. Bottom set of words.

Hope that helps you know what to sing when. It always helps. 🙂

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