Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music” was officially published in 1947, following its initial composition and premiere in 1944 as a U.S. State Department commission during World War II. Composed in just over two weeks, the piece quickly gained recognition and remains a cornerstone of American concert band literature. In this article, we explore the timeline of its creation, publication, and lasting legacy across music education and performance circles.


Original Publication Details

Date and Circumstances of Release

"Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed was originally composed and performed in 1944. The piece was commissioned during World War II by the U.S. State Department for a cultural goodwill concert featuring music from Allied nations. Reed, who was only 23 years old at the time, was tasked with creating a composition that reflected the musical traditions of Russia, despite having never visited the country. The work was completed in just over two weeks.

The premiere performance took place on December 12, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, as part of a nationwide radio broadcast intended to promote Allied unity through cultural exchange. This performance was led by Richard L. Saunders and featured a large symphonic band ensemble. The immediate reception was positive, with listeners and critics alike praising the piece for its evocative, solemn character and its successful integration of Russian musical idioms.

Publisher and Edition History

Following its successful debut, "Russian Christmas Music" was published by Belwin Mills Publishing Corp., which later became part of Alfred Music Publishing. The composition gained widespread recognition as part of Belwin’s “Classic Band Series,” an influential catalog that helped shape mid-20th-century concert band repertoire in the United States.

Over the decades, the piece has been reissued in several editions, including full scores and parts for different band sizes. While the original arrangement was written for a large symphonic band, simplified and adapted versions have since been published to accommodate a variety of ensemble levels, from high school bands to professional groups.

The original copyright for "Russian Christmas Music" was registered in 1944. As Alfred Music currently holds the rights, the composition remains under copyright protection in most jurisdictions. Performance licenses are typically managed through standard music licensing organizations such as ASCAP or BMI in the United States, and usage in educational or public performances must be properly reported for compliance.

Manuscript and Archival Availability

The original manuscript of "Russian Christmas Music" is believed to be preserved in archival collections related to Alfred Reed’s work, including the University of Miami Frost School of Music, where Reed later served as a professor and conductor. Scholars and performers interested in the original score may request access through institutional archives or contact Alfred Music for historical research permissions.

Legacy of Initial Publication

The 1944 publication and premiere of "Russian Christmas Music" marked a pivotal moment in Alfred Reed’s career, establishing him as a major contributor to the American concert band tradition. The piece has since become a staple in winter concert programs and is widely studied in music education institutions for its rich orchestration, thematic development, and cultural significance. Its enduring popularity highlights the success of its initial publication and the vision behind its commissioning.

Publication Evolution

Initial Commission and Premiere

"Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed was composed in 1944, during a period marked by global unrest and the cultural shifts of World War II. The piece was originally commissioned for a special concert of Russian music sponsored by the Russian-American Music Association in Denver, Colorado. The event was held on December 12, 1944, and Reed, then only 23 years old, was tasked with writing a work that would reflect the solemn and spiritual tone of traditional Russian Orthodox music.

The original version of the composition was written in just 11 days, showcasing Reed’s remarkable compositional skill and deep understanding of the musical traditions he was representing. The premiere performance was met with acclaim, with listeners noting the dignified and reverent quality of the music—qualities that have since become hallmarks of the piece.

Subsequent Revisions and Official Publication

Although the initial version was well received, Alfred Reed revisited the score shortly after its premiere. Recognizing the potential of the work and its growing popularity, he expanded and revised the piece in 1945 to include additional sections and more fully develop its thematic material. This definitive version is the one most commonly performed today.

"Russian Christmas Music" was officially published in 1947 by Belwin Mills Publishing Corp., a major publisher of educational and performance music for school ensembles. Its inclusion in the Belwin Classic Band Series helped cement its place in the standard concert band repertoire in the United States and beyond.

Ongoing Availability and Editions

Since its original publication, "Russian Christmas Music" has remained in continuous print, a testament to its enduring appeal and significance. It has been published in various editions for different ensemble sizes, including full concert band and reduced instrumentation versions, making it accessible to a wide range of performing groups.

Modern editions often include conductor notes, historical context, and performance suggestions, further enhancing its educational value. Additionally, digital score platforms have made the piece more accessible for contemporary ensembles, allowing for easier distribution and study.

Numerous recordings have been made by high school, collegiate, and professional wind ensembles, each contributing to the work’s legacy and offering new interpretative insights.

Reference Milestones

  • 1944: Original composition and premiere performance in Denver, Colorado.
  • 1945: Revised and expanded version completed.
  • 1947: Official publication by Belwin Mills.
  • 1960s–Present: Featured in the Belwin Classic Band Series; widespread use in concert band literature.
  • 2024: Celebrated as the 80th anniversary of its composition and first performance.

The publication history of "Russian Christmas Music" not only marks its journey from a wartime commission to a cornerstone of concert band literature but also reflects Alfred Reed’s lasting influence as a composer and educator.

Modern Publication Status

Original Publication Details

"Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed was first published in 1944. The piece was originally written in just 11 days as a commission for a special holiday concert during World War II, specifically for a performance on December 12, 1944, by the 529th Army Air Force Band. The composition was initially intended as a tribute to Russian musical traditions, particularly those associated with the Orthodox Church. The original version was scored for a military band and reflected Reed’s distinctive ability to blend solemnity with majestic musicality.

The piece gained immediate recognition and was soon published by Belwin Mills, a music publishing company known for its extensive catalog of concert band literature. Over time, "Russian Christmas Music" became one of the cornerstone works in the Belwin Classic Band series—an enduring testament to its significance in the band repertoire.

Revised Editions and Availability

Since its original release, "Russian Christmas Music" has undergone several revisions to suit the evolving needs of concert bands. Alfred Reed himself revised the piece in later years to improve orchestration and clarify musical intentions based on performance feedback. These revisions have been incorporated into modern editions, which are now widely available through major music publishers, including Alfred Music (which acquired Belwin).

Today, the piece is available in full score and parts for concert band and is frequently included in curated collections of essential concert band works. Study scores are also accessible for academic and analytical purposes, making it a staple in both performance and educational settings.

Digital Access and Licensing

In the digital age, "Russian Christmas Music" remains accessible through various platforms. Sheet music retailers offer downloadable PDFs for licensed use, and performance rights are managed through standard music licensing organizations. Additionally, digital libraries and music educators’ platforms provide access to licensed recordings and teaching resources related to the piece.

Recordings of "Russian Christmas Music" can be found on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, performed by high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles. These recordings often serve as reference materials for conductors and musicians preparing their own interpretations of the work.

Continued Relevance in Music Publishing

Thanks to its timeless appeal and adaptability, "Russian Christmas Music" remains prominently featured in publisher catalogs and concert band programming guides. It is often classified as a Grade 4 or 5 level work, indicating a moderately advanced level of difficulty suitable for high school, collegiate, and community ensembles.

The piece’s association with both holiday programming and cross-cultural musical themes ensures its continued popularity among conductors looking to showcase both musical depth and festive spirit. Its modern publication status reflects a legacy of continuous relevance, supported by ongoing distribution, performance, and study.

Publication Impact

Initial Publication

"Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed was first published in 1947, following its original composition and premiere in 1944. Commissioned for a U.S. Army band concert to foster goodwill during World War II, the work was written in a remarkably short time—just 16 days. Its first performance took place in December 1944, and its immediate success led to its publication shortly thereafter. The work was initially published by Hansen Publications and has since been widely distributed through Belwin Mills, later becoming part of the Belwin Classic Band series, which helped solidify its standing in the concert band repertoire.

Dissemination and Reach

Since its publication, "Russian Christmas Music" has been performed and studied by thousands of concert bands across the United States and internationally. The work's inclusion in the standard band literature canon has ensured its frequent appearance in educational settings, professional ensembles, and seasonal programming. Its availability through major sheet music distributors has made it accessible to ensembles of various sizes and skill levels, contributing significantly to its longevity and popularity.

Inclusion in Educational Catalogs

The composition’s publication under major educational publishers, including Alfred Music (which later acquired Belwin), ensured that it became a staple in middle school, high school, and collegiate band literature. It has appeared in numerous recommended performance lists and is often cited in educational curricula focused on wind literature. Its publication in annotated bibliographies and teaching guides has further reinforced its important role in music education.

Influence on Band Literature

The publication of "Russian Christmas Music" marked a significant moment in the evolution of American concert band literature. Alfred Reed's successful integration of Eastern Orthodox chant-like themes into a Western concert band setting set a precedent for future composers. The piece demonstrated how serious, symphonic-style compositions could thrive within the concert band medium, expanding the genre’s artistic possibilities. Its widespread publication helped elevate the expectations and standards of what concert band music could achieve both musically and culturally.

Impact on Composer's Legacy

The publication of this work played a crucial role in establishing Alfred Reed’s reputation as a leading composer for wind band. Its success led to further commissions and publications, and Reed went on to compose over 200 works for wind ensemble. "Russian Christmas Music" remains one of his most enduring and widely performed pieces, often serving as an entry point for discovering his broader catalog.

Recognition and Continued Publication

Over the decades, "Russian Christmas Music" has been reissued in various editions, including full scores, condensed scores, and arrangements for different ensemble sizes. Its continued publication reflects ongoing demand and relevance, and it remains a top recommendation for holiday concert programming. The piece has also been included in academic studies and historical retrospectives analyzing the development of the American concert band and its repertoire.

Concert Band Recordings

Numerous recordings of Alfred Reed’s Russian Christmas Music are available, showcasing the composition’s enduring popularity and interpretive diversity. Ensembles ranging from high school bands to professional wind symphonies have included the piece in concert programs and recording projects. Notable recordings include:

  • The Dallas Wind Symphony – Known for its high-quality recordings of wind band literature, the ensemble has produced a rich interpretation that highlights the depth of Reed’s orchestration.
  • University of North Texas Wind Symphony – This academic ensemble, under the direction of renowned conductors, offers a precise and expressive rendition commonly used as a reference in music education.
  • Fanfare Band’s “Exmoor Impressions” CD – This European interpretation provides an international perspective on the work, emphasizing the global appeal of Reed’s composition.

These recordings are accessible through music streaming platforms, university libraries, and educational distributors, serving as valuable resources for study and performance preparation.

Performance Materials

Russian Christmas Music was first published in 1944 by Hansen Publishing, marking the beginning of its journey as a staple in the concert band repertoire. Today, the performance materials are widely available through multiple band music publishers, including:

  • Alfred Music Publishing – As the namesake publisher of composer Alfred Reed, Alfred Music continues to distribute high-quality editions of the score and parts.
  • Belwin Music (a division of Alfred) – This imprint has included Russian Christmas Music in its Classic Band Series, making it accessible for advanced high school and collegiate ensembles.
  • Sheet Music Plus and JW Pepper – These major music retailers offer physical and digital versions of the score, conductor’s notes, and individual parts for various ensemble configurations.

In addition, rental options and study scores are often available for directors looking to explore the piece in greater depth before programming it.

Additional Study Materials

For conductors, educators, and students seeking a deeper understanding of Russian Christmas Music, several academic and pedagogical resources are available:

  • Program Notes and Analysis – Many university wind band programs provide publicly available program notes, offering insights into the structure, themes, and performance considerations of the piece.
  • Books on Wind Band Repertoire – Publications such as Teaching Music Through Performance in Band include detailed entries on Reed’s work, discussing rehearsal strategies and educational value.
  • Interviews and Articles – Interviews with Alfred Reed and critiques from music journals offer valuable perspectives on the composition’s historical context and musical significance.

Furthermore, video performances accompanied by conductor commentaries on platforms like YouTube and educational webinars provide real-time examples of interpretation and technique.

These resources collectively support the continued study, appreciation, and performance of Russian Christmas Music, ensuring its place in the concert band canon for future generations.

Alfred Reed’s “Russian Christmas Music” first captivated audiences in 1944 and found its lasting place in band literature with its official 1947 publication. Through multiple revisions, educational adoption, and wide accessibility, the composition remains a benchmark for holiday and cultural concert programming. Whether you’re a performer, educator, or music enthusiast, this enduring piece continues to resonate—and understanding its history only deepens its impact. Explore a score today and bring one of concert band’s most revered works to life.