Compatible Trios for Christmas [Playing score(s)]

A seasonal addition to the Compatible Trios series, which offers accessible arrangements of well-known pieces.  This book features 27 Christmas tunes, mostly traditinal carols.  The arrangements follow a familiar pattern with thetune in the top part, and the other two parts in close harmony below it.  The third parts are generally playable by flutists of around Grade 3 level, with the higher parts around Grade 5 due to some top octave notes.  For the more advanced player they provide easily sight-readable versions of popular Christmas music.

From a teaching point of view, the book provides opportunities for students to work on a variety of ensemble skills.  Most of the pieces require tidy playing together in rhythmic unison, such as Deck The Halls and Away in a Manger, while others have the harmony parts working more obviously as an accompaniment to the melody above, e.g. Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring. Sometimes the lower parts have a counter-melody to bring out, as in The Holly and the Ivy and Silent Night.  There are clear dynamic contrasts to work on and some precise articulation markings for the trio to agree how to play.

As with the rest of the series, there are books available for other instruments and a piano score, so they can be used flexibly for mixed ensembles too.  With a vast range of duets and larger ensemble music available, it can be harder to find arrangements for three flutes, so it is good to see tis addition to the trio repertoire.