The First Noel - Hymnal
ID 3550 · Structured composer unknown · Piano · Level 4 · Points 3080
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Collections: Hymns - Christmas
First published: unknown. Completeness: unknown.“The First Noel” is presented here as a traditional four-part hymnal setting in 3/4 time. The page includes soprano, alto, tenor, and bass harmony, with six verses of lyrics placed between the treble and bass staves. This is not a lead sheet or an improvisation page; it is written hymn repertoire, meant to be performed from the notation as printed. The soprano carries the familiar carol melody while the lower voices provide full harmonic support underneath.Measures 1–6 present the opening phrase, “The first Noel, the angel did say.” The soprano line carries the main melody in a calm, steady shape, while the alto, tenor, and bass voices fill in the harmony below it. The stacked verses allow the same four-part setting to carry the full carol text without needing separate pages.Measures 7–12 continue the verse with “in fields where they lay keeping their sheep.” The voices move mostly together in a clear hymnal texture, keeping the words easy to follow. The harmony supports the long melodic phrases while maintaining the simple, reverent character of the carol.Measures 13–17 complete the verse with “on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.” The soprano rises and settles through the familiar closing shape of the verse, while the lower parts complete the cadence underneath. This section prepares the repeated “Noel” refrain.Measures 18–22 present the refrain, “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.” The melody becomes more declarative, and the repeated “Noel” text gives the ending its strongest congregational character. The four-part harmony brings the carol to a full and clear final cadence.Interesting fact: “The First Noel” is one of the best-known English Christmas carols and is especially associated with the story of the shepherds, the star, and the wise men. Its repeated “Noel” refrain makes it easy for congregations to sing together, which is why it has remained common in hymnals, Christmas services, recordings, and holiday programs.
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