Organ and lead sheet arrangements of the traditional English Christmas song “Coventry Carol“.
The “Coventry Carol” is not strictly a Christmas carol, since it relates to Jesus being an infant. However, it has been sung at Christmas time for many centuries.
Dating from the 16th century, the oldest known text was written down in 1534 by Robert Croo, and the oldest known setting of the melody dates from 1591. It was traditionally performed in Coventry, England as part of the play “The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailor”. The lyrics refer to the Massacre of the Innocents, where Herod ordered the killing of all boys under the age of two in Bethlehem. Thus the song is a lullaby, sung by mothers of the doomed children.
This piece is most commonly found in G minor. This key is what I’d consider to be the top of the vocal range to comfortably sing. My personal preference is to play it in F minor. While its key signature may be off putting, the melody only has A and B flats. I’ve also arranged it in E minor, and given you the choice of which key you’d prefer. All 3 options are available in each download.
What’s included in the Coventry Carol collections
All four verses of the carol are included with the sheet music. They are also provided on a separate sheet for others to sing along.
The lead sheet / fake book included in each collection contains the melody with chord symbols and all lyrics. Suitable for all level of abilities on piano / organ / vocal / guitar etc. You can choose which of the 3 keys you are more comfortable with; all are in an easy singing range.
The organ collection has the same easy arrangement with pedals and chord accompaniment notated in each of the three keys. It also includes the 3 lead sheets.
Download choices
- Fake book: a 5 page PDF in A4 format.
Cover page, lyric sheet, and 3 x single page lead sheets in each key (Em, Fm and Gm). - Organ collection: an 8 page PDF in A4 format.
Cover page, lyric sheet, 3 x single page organ arrangements in each key, plus 3 x single page lead sheets in each key.
