Advent and Christmas (33): Noël huron

The Canadian Denis Bédard (* 1950), organist and music director in Vancouver, is famous as a concert organist and composer. His organ music is characterized by tonal harmony and formal clarity throughout.

The melodic base for his variations on 'Noël huron' (1997) is a Christmas carol that was used in the 17th century to proselytize the Canadian Indian tribe of the Hurons. It’s origin is a melody from France. The theme is presented by a trumpet, harmonized with soft voices.

The introduction is followed by two contrasting variations:
The first variation is written in a moving and baroque gestus, playing with cromorne and cornet;
the second variation has an introverted, calm character and offers some jazz harmonies.

Theme and two variations