Ding! Dong! Merrily On High

This version of the spirited French carol opens and closes with unique, chime-like passages. In between Niehaus treats the familiar theme to a series of creative variations. Three modulations from the original key of C sustain momentum from start to finish, and everyone in the group gets a chance to carry the lead at one time or another. An added bonus for both players and listeners is that this Christmas carol is rarely included in holiday collections and concerts; as a result, it hasn't been played to death a million times already.