Snow Carols

Description

These two seasonal pieces are both regarded in their countries of origin as Christmas carols. Both have largely secular texts, so I regard them as “winter pieces” appropriate to the season. This setting opens with a Lebanese carol whose title translates as “Snow, Snow.” In the arrangement I have tried to convey a middle eastern flavor through the use of drones, harmonics and repetitive patterns. The second carol (“Lightly Falls the Snow”) uses a German folksong for its melody and is delightful in its simplicity. This arrangement ends with a recollection of the first carol.

A word about the effects. The celli at the opening should lightly glide a finger up and down over the top half of the A string, using random speed and smooth bowing (a la the opening of Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.”) The effect should be both iridescent and transparent -and very soft. The basses use natural harmonics, which should be played by touching the finger at the notated location on the string indicated by the diamond-shaped note. A few other fingerings are provided for an artistic performance. The overall effect of “Snow, Snow” should be somewhat misty and quietly hypnotic. The second carol is a complete contrast-the type of European folksong we are all used to hearing and singing.

It is possible, with minimal adaptation, to play each of the carols separately if desired.

Published by: String Instrument Specialists