The First Noel (also called “First Nowell”) is a traditional Cornish Christmas carol.
I have put together 3 piano versions for you to learn depending on you level – an easy version, an intermediate version and a challenging version taken from my Christmas piano album “10 Christmas Carols”.
Have a look/listen to the piece below and then choose which version you would like to download and learn:
The First Noel Easy Piano Sheet Music
The easy piano version is based on a melody line in the right hand with a simple bass line in the left hand.
It is worth closely following the fingering I have added (particularly when to tuck the thumb under) as there are some quite long scalic passages to play.
The First Noel – Intermediate Piano
The intermediate version adds extra notes in the right hand which enrich the harmony of the arrangement.
There is also a spread chord in the left hand near to the end of the piece which will be a challenge.
I have left the fingering blank on this version as it is good practice for an intermediate player to work out which fingers are most appropriate to use.
Advanced Version
The advanced sheet music for The First Noel is an arrangement I wrote and recorded for my Christmas piano album “10 Christmas Carols”.
It should provide a good challenge for a more advanced piano player.
It is certainly worth listening to the arrangement on the YouTube video or on Spotify above whilst following the sheet music:
Lyrics
The lyrics to the first Noel tell the story of the nativity and include references to the shepherds, the wise man and star.
The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep:
Refrain
Nowell x 4
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
This star drew nigh to the northwest;
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought.
The song has been recorded and released by a number of artists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and the cast of the TV series “Glee”.
