*
banner

Superbrass Saturday: Good King Wenceslas (trad. arr. Jock McKenzie)

One of the most famous festive tunes of all is ready and waiting to be performed in a fantastic series of arrangements.

King
  Good King Wenceslas is one fo teh most popular festive tunes

The popular Christmas carol tells the story of a Bohemian King who braved harsh winter weather to give alms to a poor peasant on the Feast of Stephen, the first day of Christmas (December 26th).

Popular carol

In 1853 the English hymn writer John Mason Neale wrote his own version of this tale, setting his words to the melody of a 13th century spring carol "Tempus adest floridum"which had first been published in Piae Cantiones (1582). It is this version that has endured to become the popular carol of today.

It comes in various versions of different sized ensembles:

Find out more

Go to:
https://www.superbrass.co.uk/search?query=Good+King+Wenceslas

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Summer

Eikanger continues investment in youth development

August 10 • The Norwegian National Champion has just held its 28th Feriespel Summer Course.


ISB

New sop lead at ISB

August 10 • Oliver Ridley has become the new soprano player of The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army.


Trivergence

Trivergence set for Albert Hall appearance

August 8 • Trombone stars Peter Moore, Mark Nightingale and Andy Wood plus friends will provide the pre-results entertainment at the Royal Albert Hall National Final in October.


IBBSS

Barringer delight at IBBSS success

August 8 • A week of hard work, great music making and friendship in Swansea was a fitting celebration of the leading course's ethos.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

August 6 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 5 • Brunel Brass is looking for a SOLO HORN to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd