The best edition of “The Cherry Tree Carol” depends on who will perform it: the traditional two-part setting suits two treble or equal voices, while the Marty Haugen arrangement is listed for equal or mixed voices. Other options specify women’s voices with flute, handbells with flute and guitar, or SATB parts. Compare the stated voicing and instruments before choosing so the sheet music matches your ensemble.
| Edition | Listed performers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional English | Two treble or equal voices | Two-part vocal groups |
| Marty Haugen | Two equal or mixed voices | Flexible two-part groups |
| Richard Cumming | Women’s voices (SA) and flute | Women’s vocal ensemble with flute |
| Victor Gumma | Handbells; flute and guitar listed | Mixed instrumental ensemble |
| Charles Wilson | SATB | Four-part choir |
Traditional English Two-Part Carol
This edition is identified as a traditional English setting for SA, or two treble/equal voices. That makes it a direct match for groups looking for a two-part vocal arrangement rather than a specifically mixed-voice or instrumental score.
- Best for: A small treble-voice group or singers arranged in two equal parts.
- Why it was selected: The title clearly names both the traditional English source and the intended two-voice format.
- Consider: The listing specifies two treble or equal voices, so choose another edition if your choir needs SATB parts or an instrumental accompaniment.
Choose this version when the traditional English designation and straightforward two-part voicing fit the ensemble. Check the listing details for any additional format information before ordering.
Marty Haugen Two-Voice Arrangement
Marty Haugen’s arrangement is listed for “2 equal or mixed voices.” This wording makes it a flexible option for a two-part group whose singers are not described simply as treble voices.
- Best for: A duet or small ensemble seeking a two-part arrangement for equal or mixed voices.
- Why it was selected: Its stated voicing distinguishes it from the traditional SA edition and offers another arrangement choice for two-voice groups.
- Consider: The product title identifies two voices, not a full SATB choir. Avoid choosing it if you specifically need four independent choral parts.
Choose this edition if the equal-or-mixed-voice description matches your singers. The supplied product information does not specify instruments, so review the listing if accompaniment is a deciding factor.
Richard Cumming Voices And Flute Score
This score is described as being for women’s voices in SA and flute. Its listed instrumentation gives buyers a clear option when they want a vocal arrangement that includes a flute part.
- Best for: A women’s-voice ensemble with a flute player available.
- Why it was selected: The listing specifies both the vocal format and flute, making it easy to compare with vocal-only choices.
- Consider: This edition names women’s voices and flute; it may not suit a group seeking mixed SATB parts or an arrangement without flute.
Choose this version when both the SA vocal format and flute are appropriate. Confirm the score’s contents and format in the listing if you need to know whether parts are provided separately.
Victor Gumma Handbell And Instrument Arrangement
Victor Gumma’s listing identifies the piece as a Christmas arrangement and names handbells, flute, and guitar. This makes it the most clearly instrument-focused selection in this group.
- Best for: An ensemble planning to use handbells with the listed flute and guitar instrumentation.
- Why it was selected: The product title names several specific performance elements, setting it apart from the voice-centered editions.
- Consider: The listing’s instrumentation may not fit a choir looking only for vocal parts. Check the score description to confirm the parts supplied.
Choose this arrangement if those instruments are part of your performance plan. Do not assume it is a standard choral setting based only on the carol’s title.
Charles Wilson SATB Carol Parts
This listing identifies the arrangement as “Partii” and names S.A.T.B. voicing. SATB indicates soprano, alto, tenor, and bass parts, so it is the option in this selection explicitly labeled for a four-part choir.
- Best for: A choir seeking a score labeled for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass.
- Why it was selected: Its stated SATB format makes it a useful comparison against two-part and instrument-specific versions.
- Consider: The listing describes the binding as unknown and provides limited format information. Confirm the edition and parts before purchase.
Choose this version when SATB is the priority. It is less clearly described than the other listings, so verify the product details if format or score contents are important.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Edition
Which voices does your group need?
Start with the number and type of vocal parts. The traditional English and Marty Haugen listings are both two-voice options, but their wording differs: one specifies two treble or equal voices, and the other says two equal or mixed voices. The Charles Wilson listing names SATB. Match the title’s voicing to your singers rather than assuming all editions use the same arrangement.
Do you need instruments?
If your ensemble includes flute, guitar, or handbells, compare the instrument names stated in the product title. Richard Cumming’s listing specifies flute with women’s voices. Victor Gumma’s names handbells, flute, and guitar. The provided details for the other selections do not identify instrumentation, so check the listing before relying on accompaniment being included.
What should you verify before ordering?
- Confirm the intended voicing, such as two-part, SA, or SATB.
- Check whether the edition matches your singers and available instrumentalists.
- Review the listing for score format, included parts, and any arrangement details not stated in the title.
- For less detailed listings, verify the edition information before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edition is listed for SATB choir?
The Charles Wilson listing names S.A.T.B. voicing. Verify the product details because its listing provides limited format information.
Which version is for two equal or mixed voices?
The Marty Haugen sheet music is identified for two equal or mixed voices.
Is there an edition that includes flute?
Yes. Richard Cumming’s score is listed for women’s voices (SA) and flute. Victor Gumma’s listing also names flute, along with handbells and guitar.
Which option is specifically described as traditional English?
The two-treble/equal-voice edition is titled “Cherry Tree Carol, The – Traditional English.”
Are all five editions arranged for the same ensemble?
No. The listings describe different voicings and instrumentation, including two-part voices, women’s voices with flute, handbells with instruments, and SATB. Compare the specific requirements before choosing.