A JOYFUL SONG - ON CHRISTMAS DAY: Earl J. Residorff Arrangements (ConTempus String Quartet)

Every year I arrange a Christmas song for string quartet. Some years, I compose a new carol. This project is a manifestation of that annual effort, and it sprang forward from the enthusiastic reception of a prior Christmas recording project—Amid the Winter’s Snow. For A Joyful Song - On Christmas Day, I was once again fortunate to work with recording genius, Dr. Sergei Kvitko. I also had the added pleasure of connecting with the talented and delightful ConTempus Quartet, who provided the artistry for this project. The arrangements on this recording are all original and often introduce novel harmonic structures. I hope that this recording finds you and your family celebrating a meaningful season rich with joy.

Earl J. Reisdorff is an emergency physician, theatre organist, and jazz pianist with a keen interest in choral composition and chamber music. His works have been recorded by the Michigan State University Children’s Choir, the Steiner Chorale, the Sierra Nevada Children’s Choir, soloists from the Tölzer Boys Choir, and the Henschel String Quartet. His choral music is published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and his string quartet arrangements are available

Angels We Have Heard on High

Traditional French Carol, James Chadwick

In the Bleak Midwinter

Christina Rossetti, Gustav Holst

Gigue Fugue (BWV 577) / I Saw Three Ships

J. S. Bach, Traditional English Carol

Lullaby (for Josie) Earl J. Reisdorff

O Come, All Ye Faithful John Francis Wade

Merry Christmas, Darling

Richard Carpenter, Frank Pooler

The Many Came Earl J. Reisdorff, Sara Teasdale

Sussex Carol /Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella

Luke Wadding, Traditional French Carol

The First Noel Traditional English Carol

Ave Maria Franz Biebl

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Traditional Polish Carol

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Phillips Brooks, Lewis Redner, Earl J. Reisdorff

Silent Night Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr

A Winter’s Farewell Earl J. Reisdorff