This is an arrangement I wrote of the English Christmas Carol "The Holly and the Ivy"; a beautiful carol of pagan origins and beautiful many interpretations. I made this one bouncy and full of energy and played around with the transitions and harmonizations of the tune but going back to one main harmonization. I am also conducting this as usual!


Lyrics:

1
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

2
The holly bears a blossom,
As white as the lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet Saviour.
The rising of the sun...

3
The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to do us sinners good.
The rising of the sun...

4
The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
The rising of the sun...

5
The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
The rising of the sun...

6
The holly and the ivy,
Now both are full well grown,
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown.
The rising of the sun, etc.