Six Noëls d'Europe, vol. 1

These volumes contain useful and straightforward arrangements of Christmas carols from around Europe - the score and separate parts are included and the clear presentation is excellent. They are ideal for quartets with players around grade 2 5+ level and would work well for guitar orchestra.
Each part has a single melodic line in each piece, with occasional exceptions. Guitar one has the main themes almost exclusively and requires knowledge of the higher positions; guitar two is mostly in first position but shifts up the firigerboard when required. Guitar three is the easiest of the parts, remaining in first position and guitar four takes a bass line that has plenty of interest. Castet does not attempt to change or develop the carols - each is presented simply as it is sung, and this simplicity gives these arrangements much charm.
Volume one includes n est ne le divin enfant. Angetsfrom the realms of_qloTy and Silent Night (which I felt was a less successful arrangement). The other carols are less well known and for this reason make a pleasant change from the traditional Christmas fare (in Britain, anyway). with the Spanish carols La virginfue lanvandera and El buen rabadin working particularly well. The second volume includes another Spanish carol Varnos cantando, which was my favouilte arrangement with interesting part writing throughout.
Austria is well represented - Gritnet, Felder grunet Wiesen gives guitar two the chance to open with the tune and Ming glockchen klinge tinge ling has guitars one and two in thirds at the opening which is neatly effective.
Overall, Highly enjoyable.
(Linda Kelsall-Barnett, Classical Guitar, 12/2000)