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Commonly known as the " Red Hymn Book ," the collection titled 120 Hymns for Brass Band (published by Wright & Round
) is the definitive spiritual and functional backbone of the brass band world. More than just a book of sheet music, it serves as the universal language for bands during everything from morning warm-ups to solemn community ceremonies. Wright & Round A Cultural Institution Compiled and arranged largely by the prolific Ray Steadman-Allan
, a leading figure in the Salvation Army's musical history, this collection has sold thousands of copies worldwide. It is a staple in the instrument case of almost every brass musician because it provides a shared repertoire; a musician from a band in England can sit in with a band in Australia, and they will both know "Red Book No. 66" by heart. www.obrasso.com Musical Structure and Utility
The collection is designed for maximum versatility, typically featuring Short Scores
and individual part books for every instrument in a standard brass band lineup. Wright & Round Warm-up Tool
: Bands frequently use these hymns to "find their sound" at the start of a rehearsal. The simple, homophonic textures allow players to focus on tuning, balance, and blend The "Extended" Edition
: Modern versions often include an additional 20 Christmas carols (bringing the total to 140 pieces), ensuring the book covers almost every occasion for worship or public performance. Readability
: Originally published in a small "march card" (A5) format for outdoor use on lyres, it is now widely available in A4 Large Print editions for easier reading by mature bandsmen. Band Supplies UK Core Repertoire Highlights 120 Hymns for Brass Band ▷ Short Score - Obrasso
120 Hymns for Brass Band , colloquially known in the brass band world as the "Red Book,"
is an essential collection of hymn tunes arranged specifically for British-style brass bands. Published by the renowned British publisher Wright & Round
, this collection has become a standard fixture in the instrument cases of musicians across Europe and beyond. www.obrasso.com Historical Background and Arranger The collection was designed and arranged by Ray Steadman-Allen
, a prolific British composer and a major figure in the Salvation Army's musical history. Steadman-Allen, who held a PhD in music and served as President of the National College of Music, is credited with the enduring popularity of these specific arrangements, which have sold thousands of copies since their initial publication. www.obrasso.com Scope and Content
While the title refers to "120 Hymns," modern enlarged editions often include a Christmas Selection , bringing the total to 140 pieces
. The core 120 hymns are numbered sequentially, with supplemental carols beginning at number 121. Studio Music Notable Hymn Tunes Included: 1. Aberystwyth 2. Abridge 13. Crimond 29. Eventide Abide with Me 61. National Anthem 66. Old Hundredth 119. Silent Night 120. While Shepherds Watched Studio Music Availability and Formats
The collection is published in various formats to accommodate different needs: 120 HYMNS FOR BRASS BAND
The 120 Hymns for Brass Band (widely known as the "Red Book") remains the definitive standard for communal worship and civic ceremonies in the brass band world. Originally published by Wright & Round, this collection is prized for its reliability and functional arrangements by the legendary Ray Steadman-Allen. Core Content & Versatility
Comprehensive Selection: The book covers 120 standard hymns, including essentials like Abide With Me, Old Hundredth, and Nearer My God To Thee.
Extended Christmas Section: Modern "Extended" editions (Revised 3rd Edition) include an additional 20 Christmas Carols, such as Jingle Bells and O Little Town of Bethlehem, making it a year-round resource.
Flexible Instrumentation: The arrangements are designed to work for any ensemble size from a quartet up to a full band. Format & Accessibility 120 Hymns For Brass & Wind Band - Score | PDF - Scribd 120 hymns for brass band pdf top
The " 120 Hymns for Brass Band " collection, published by Wright & Round and often affectionately called the "
," is the gold standard for British brass band worship music. It is widely used for everything from church services and civic ceremonies to memorial events like Remembrance Day. Key Features
Comprehensive Collection: The revised 3rd edition includes 120 traditional hymn tunes plus an additional 20 Christmas Carols, making it a "one-stop shop" for worship.
Flexible Arrangements: Designed for versatility, these arrangements can be played by as few as four players up to a full band.
Orchestration: The scores focus on rich, four-part harmony. Parts like the 2nd/3rd cornet and 1st horn typically handle the alto line, while the euphonium often doubles the melody or bass to provide depth.
Format Options: It is available in traditional A5 march card size (portable but small) and an enlarged A4 format for easier reading. Community Perspectives
The "Red Book" is praised for its reliability, though some musicians note its physical size and occasional omissions of newer "classics."
“What a great we book, has all the hymns you need... really excellent.” Amazon UK
“The Red (Brass Band) and Blue (sister version for Wind Band?) books do have a good selection in them but with so many tunes out there... some classics will not be in them.” www.themouthpiece.com · 11 years ago
“Physically very small book so your eyesight will need to be top notch in order to read it. Why they couldn't make it A5 or A4 size I don't know.” Amazon UK Common Contents Standard tunes found in the collection include: Praise my Soul (71) Old Hundredth (66) Crimond (13)
Amazing Grace (often included in extended versions or standard supplements)
Silent Night (119) and other carols like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (116)
You can find the full score and individual parts at retailers like Just Music, Wright & Round, and Presto Music. The 25 Most Popular Christian Hymns - Open the Bible
“120 Hymns for BR Band PDF” is more than a collection of religious songs; it is a case study in how sacred music adapts to digital distribution, community band practices, and the blurring lines between worship, lifestyle, and entertainment. By making hymns available in a flexible, user-driven format, this resource empowers bands to bring timeless melodies into modern public spaces, enriching both personal and communal life. In doing so, it proves that sacred music need not be confined to sanctuaries—it can thrive wherever people gather to play, listen, and celebrate.
If you intended this essay to be more technical (e.g., reviewing a specific real PDF) or more promotional (e.g., for a blog about music resources), let me know and I can adjust the tone and content accordingly.
It sounds like you’re looking for a top result (likely a free PDF download) for a brass band book titled “120 Hymns for Brass Band.”
Here is the direct answer to your search intent:
The most common and highly-rated book matching this description is:
“120 Hymns for Brass Band” arranged by Andrew Duncan (published by SP&S — Salvation Army Publishing & Supplies).
Where to find the PDF (Legal/Top Sources):
Final tip for "Top" search result:
If you Google exactly:
"120 Hymns for Brass Band" Andrew Duncan PDF
— the top organic result will likely be the World of Brass purchase page (approx £25-£30). The top free result is often a user upload on a document-sharing site, but that file is usually missing parts (only Bb treble clef, no bass/eb parts). If you want these tailored for a specific
Would you like the direct link to the legal PDF shop, or the free public domain hymn collection alternative?
The 120 Hymns for Brass Band (often referred to as the " Red Hymn Book
") is a staple in the brass band community, primarily published by Wright & Round. A standout feature of the Extended 3rd Edition
is its versatile quartet-based scoring, which allows the hymns to be performed by as few as four players or a full band while maintaining a balanced four-part harmony. Key Features of the " Red Hymn Book 120 Hymns For Brass & Wind Band - Score | PDF - Scribd
I’d be happy to help you draft a write-up. However, I can’t provide or link to any actual PDF files, including copyrighted hymn collections. Instead, I can offer a template for an article or blog post that discusses the topic, suggests legal ways to find such resources, and offers alternative public-domain or licensed options.
Here’s a sample write‑up:
Title:
Finding the Top 120 Hymns for Brass Band: A Guide to PDF Resources
Introduction
For brass band musicians, hymn tunes are a cornerstone of the repertoire—whether for church services, concerts, contests, or community events. A collection like “120 Hymns for Brass Band” is highly sought after, especially in a convenient PDF format. But where can you find a reliable, legal version? This guide explores the most popular hymn arrangements for brass band and how to access them legitimately.
What Makes a Great Hymn Collection for Brass Band?
The ideal set of 120 hymns includes:
Top Contenders for “120 Hymns for Brass Band PDF”
No single universally accepted “120 Hymns” PDF exists in the public domain. However, several reputable publishers offer similar large collections as digital downloads:
Legal & Ethical Access
How to Build Your Own 120‑Hymn PDF
You can legally assemble a custom brass band hymn book:
Final Thoughts
While a single “120 Hymns for Brass Band PDF” may not be freely available from a top source, combining legal purchases, public domain scores, and your own arrangements can yield an excellent library. Always respect copyright – it ensures more great brass band music gets written.
Need a specific list of the 120 most popular hymns for brass band? Leave a comment below – we’ll help you prioritize the classics.
120 Hymns for Brass Band collection, universally known in the brass band community as the
is an essential resource for community bands, church services, and civic ceremonies. Originally published by Wright & Round
, this collection has become the standard for worship and memorial events across the UK and internationally. Wright & Round Key Features of the Collection Comprehensive Repertoire : Includes standard hymn tunes like Abide With Me (Eventide), Old Hundredth Praise My Soul The "Extended" Third Edition
: Many modern versions are now "Extended," featuring 140 pieces total, including 20 additional Christmas carols. Arrangement Style : Designed by Ray Steadman-Allan
, these arrangements focus on rich, four-part harmony suitable for the traditional British brass band instrumentation. Format Options
: Available in standard A5 march card size for outdoor use or enlarged A4 format for easier reading. Solid Brass Music Top Content and Hymn List D) unless you have professional players.
The following table highlights some of the most popular hymns found in the collection: Aberystwyth Joseph Parry Isaac Smith Austrian Hymn Joseph Haydn Jessie Seymour Irvine W. H. Monk Old Hundredth L. Bourgeois Praise My Soul Silent Night Franz Gruber Accessing the PDF and Sheet Music
While copyrighted versions must be purchased from retailers, many musicians utilize online document platforms for reference or digital practice. 120 Hymns Brass Band - Wright & Round Music Publishers
Review: "120 Hymns for Brass Band" (The "Red Book" Standard)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Essential Resource)
Overview If you are looking for a single, comprehensive PDF collection of brass band hymn tunes, "120 Hymns for Brass Band" is widely considered the industry standard. Often referred to simply as "The Red Book" in band circles, this collection is designed specifically for British-style brass bands and serves as the go-to resource for Sunday services, park concerts, and caroling.
The Content The collection delivers exactly what the title promises: 120 of the most standard, traditional hymn tunes used in English-speaking congregations.
Layout and Usability
Why it is a "Top" Resource
The Verdict If you manage a brass band library, play in a Salvation Army style band, or simply need a reliable fake-book style resource for hymns, this PDF is an essential download. It is the most practical, no-nonsense collection available.
Search Tip: When looking for this, ensure the PDF includes the specific instrumentation for British Brass Band (Cornets in Bb, Horns in Eb) rather than American concert band instrumentation (Trumpets in Bb, Horns in F), as the titles can sometimes be similar but the parts incompatible.
A very specific request!
After conducting a thorough search, I was able to find a few resources that might be helpful:
To access the top 120 hymns for brass band in PDF format, I'm afraid it's unlikely you'll find a single, comprehensive PDF file. However, I can suggest a few options:
If you're looking for a free resource, you might consider:
I hope these resources help you find what you're looking for!
If you cannot find the perfect pre-made PDF, consider this high-performance solution: curate your own collection.
Here is how band directors create a "120 hymns for brass band PDF top" list:
When searching for 120 hymns for brass band pdf top results, you might wonder why 120 is the magic number.
Websites like BrassBand.co.uk or Musescore.com allow users to upload original arrangements. If you search for "hymn" and filter by "Brass Band," you can download individual PDFs. Compile 120 of the highest-rated ones.
Warning: Avoid random "free PDF" sites promising the full 120. These often contain:
Classic hymns written for congregations (usually in keys like Eb, Ab, or F) are brutal on brass valves. A top arrangement transposes the hymn into Brass Band friendly keys:
Instead of hunting for illegal copies, savvy bandmasters use these legitimate sources for digital 120-hymn collections: