For Clarinet Quartet
🎄Spread some holiday cheer with this intermediate digital download arrangement for clarinet quartet of The Carpenters' holiday classic "Merry Christmas, Darling." It is perfect for holiday parties, events, recitals, or holiday caroling gigs. The arrangement was written for most ensembles, from high school quartets and amateur ensembles to college and professional quartets. The gentle, bittersweet holiday ballad is nostalgic and romantic with a hopeful message for the season.
🎄In 1966, the choral music director at California State University, Long Beach, Frank Pooler, shared some lyrics he had written twenty years earlier with two of his music students: Richard and Karen Carpenter. Richard wrote a new melody for these lyrics, and in 1970, The Carpenters recorded the song, which went on to reach Number One on the Billboard Christmas Singles Chart (and again in 1971 and 1973). This heartwarming melody will charm your audiences and bring them warm Christmas cheer. Originally scored for a studio orchestra, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for clarinets.
You-Tube score-following video of “Merry Christmas, Darling” arranged for clarinet quartet by Mark A. Craig/Craig Music Publishers
After watching this video, head over to Sheet Music Direct or Sheet Music Plus to add this exceptional arrangement to your digital holiday music collection.
Updated 12 October 2026
