The book will be of great interest to instrumentalists and singers looking for new sources of chamber music, as well as to all those who wish to experience a musical form that played an important role in France for over two centuries." --French Review ... an excellent resource for anyone who wants to play, sing, and/or dance to these delightful little pieces. The authors approach this work in the careful, thoughtful, and scholarly manner which is a trademark of Betty Mather's style... I highly recommend this book to anyone intersted in any aspect of the noel and/or its performance." --National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors ...Something unusual and lovely for Christmas...it would interest anyone who is interested in Christmas music or who has to plan music and dance for worship. The carols themselves are beautifully printed and laid out for playing..." --The Sign French noels unite sacred and profane texts, music, and dance as performed from the late Middle Ages through the Baroque. Mather and Gavin have transcribed these charming pieces with lyrics of the period so that they may be either sung or played.