*
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    


Ambassadors

NYBBGB Ambassadors inspiring future generations on outreach tour

July 7 • Over 4,000 primary school pupils will enjoy performances form the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Ambassador Ensemble over the next few days.


Herbert

Discount rate on The Brass Band Story

July 7 • Yale University Press Publishing is offering a special discount on Prof Trevor Herbert's new book about the banding movement.


Broderick

New top man at Hammonds

July 7 • Luke Broderick will take the principal cornet seat at the leading Yorkshire band.


Jedforest

Royal connection for Jedforest

July 7 • It seems the performance of Jedforest Instrumental Band brought back brass playing memories for King Charles III.


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Sherborne Town Band - Free Music in the park

Sunday 26 July • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

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


Fulham Brass Band

July 7 • Principal Eb bass vacancy:. . Fulham Brass Band, under our inspirational new MD Alan Thomas, are looking for a top class Eb bass player to join us for the First Section National Finals in September and beyond as we seek promotion back to the Championship.


Sherborne Town Band

July 5 • We have positions available for dedicated players on Euphonium, Cornet and Trombone in our fun, friendly Dorset based band.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 4 • 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.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd