Lovely Fragrance Sheet Music: A Musical Delight

what is this lovely fragrance sheet music

What Is This Lovely Fragrance is a piece of sheet music with handbell and violin parts. It is a beloved French carol, also known as Shepherds, What Is This Lovely Fragrance?, with four stanzas. The piece was arranged by Gregory Hamilton and published by CanticaNOVA Publications. It was also composed for the organ by Paul Manz and published by MorningStar Music Publishers.

Characteristics Values
Name What Is This Lovely Fragrance
Other Names Shepherds, What Is This Lovely Fragrance?
Arranger Gregory Hamilton
Composer Paul Manz
Number of Stanzas 4
Language English
Original Language French
Setting A Cappella
Accompaniment SATB Choir
Genre Christmas Song
Based On Traditional 17th-Century French Carol
Purchase Options Digital Download, Physical Copy

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What is this lovely fragrance sheet music's composer? (Paul Manz)

"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a piece of music with sheet music composed by Paul Manz. It is an organ chorale improvisation and is part of the commemorative edition of the Ten Chorale Improvisation books, which made Paul Manz a well-respected composer. The books were written over a period of time from 1968 to 1980 and include some of his most well-known works. Each volume contains a biography of Dr. Manz, full indexes of his complete works, and historical information.

Paul Manz is a well-known composer and organist. He was born in Ohio in 1919 and died in 2009. He was a student of Walter Gieseking, Hugh Price, and Robert Elmore, and he also studied at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Manz's compositions include works for organ, choir, and other instruments, and he has also published several books on organ performance and improvisation. He is particularly known for his hymn improvisations, which are often based on traditional hymns and carols.

"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is an example of Manz's hymn improvisation style. It is based on an old French carol and is set for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) and organ. The piece is included in the Thompson Choral Library and has been published by Alfred Music.

In addition to "What is This Lovely Fragrance?", Paul Manz has composed other well-known pieces such as "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadows," "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence," "Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," and "How Lovely Shines the Morning Star." These pieces are also part of the Ten Chorale Improvisations sets and showcase Manz's skill in organ improvisation and his ability to create beautiful and expressive music.

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What is the song's history? (Based on a 17th-century French carol)

"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a song based on a 17th-century French carol. The song is a beloved French carol that has been creatively adapted to feature graceful melodies and exquisite vocal harmonies. The song is set in a captivating and enchanting style, with a cappella phrases alternating with brief instrumental interludes.

The lyrics of the song are from the perspective of shepherds, who are wondering about the source of a lovely fragrance and brilliant light filling the air and sky. They are described as "breaking upon our wond'ring eyes" and "filling the sky before our eyes", respectively. The shepherds are also heard asking, "Whence is the goodly fragrance flowing, stealing our senses all away?".

The fragrance is compared to the scents of flowers in spring, and the light is described as radiant, tender, and clear. The song progresses to reveal that the source of the fragrance and light is the newborn Saviour, lying in a lowly manger in Bethlehem. The shepherds are urged to hasten with eager footsteps to seek and adore the Saviour, offering their hearts' adoration and love.

"What is This Lovely Fragrance?" has a rich history, dating back to the 17th century in France. It has become a cherished part of musical and cultural traditions, especially during the Christmas season, when many carols and hymns are sung to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The song's themes of wonder, curiosity, and adoration capture the essence of the Christmas spirit and the joy associated with the birth of Christ.

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Are there any notable recordings? (Gregory Hamilton's arrangement)

Gregory Hamilton's arrangement of "Shepherds, What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a four-part, four-verse arrangement of the 17th-century French carol "Quelle est cette odeur agréable". It was published by CanticaNOVA Publications.

Hamilton's arrangement is for an a cappella SATB choir and includes four stanzas:

  • Shepherds, what is this lovely fragrance...
  • What is this dazzling light, now shining...
  • In Bethlehem low in a manger...
  • Glory to God in highest heaven...

The first and last stanzas are set in homophonic style with mildly enriched harmonies. The second stanza includes more textural and harmonic freedom, while the third stanza places the melody in the tenor line with the other voices providing accompaniment.

Unfortunately, I could not find information on any notable recordings of Gregory Hamilton's arrangement. However, it is possible to purchase a digital download of the sheet music from various websites.

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What are the lyrics to the song? (Shepherds, what is this lovely fragrance...)

"What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a Christmas song with four stanzas. The song was arranged by Gregory Hamilton and is a 4-part sheet music. The first line of the song is "Shepherds, what is this lovely fragrance?". Here are the lyrics to the song:

First Stanza

Shepherds, what is this lovely fragrance?

Second Stanza

Third Stanza

In Bethlehem low in a manger

Fourth Stanza

Glory to God in highest heaven

The first and last stanzas are set in homophonic style with mildly enriched harmonies. The second stanza includes more textural and harmonic freedom, while the third stanza places the melody in the tenor line with the other voices providing accompaniment. The melody of this carol appears in John Gay's Beggars Opera of 1778. It is one of the "lesser-known" Christmas carols, also found in the Oxford Book of Carols and other noteworthy collections.

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Where can I purchase the sheet music? (SheetMusicPlus, Stanton's Sheet Music, etc.)

"What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" is a 4-part sheet music composition by Healey Willan. It is based on a beloved French carol and is available for purchase on several online platforms.

Sheet Music Plus is a website that offers this sheet music. The website provides a digital library from which you can download your purchase in various formats, including MP3, Smart Music, and video. Sheet Music Plus also offers discounts when you purchase multiple copies of the same title.

Stanton's Sheet Music is another option for purchasing this sheet music. They offer institutional accounts for schools or churches, allowing you to bill your purchase and download it immediately. Stanton's regular business hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm EST, and Saturday, 9 am-4 pm EST.

Additionally, J.W. Pepper Sheet Music offers "What Is This Lovely Fragrance?" for sale. Their website promotes the summer reading sessions for in-person and online experiences.

These online retailers provide convenient options for purchasing the sheet music, each with its own unique features and offers.

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