And the final selection for XAR 2006: Silent Night! My version is arranged for String Quartet. I chose a traditional variation technique which basically consists of writing the verses over and over and (lo and behold) varying the style each time. I start with a soft version, melody in the cello and rhythmic chordal support in the viola and violins (in pizzicato [plucked strings] for added softness). I then move to a “normal” variation of more legato textures, which moves into a minor, mournful wlatz variation (naturally). I then play with differences in rhythms (short notes vs. long notes) and interplay between voices, and the move into a quick-tempo, rhythm-heavy, dance-like variation (hyphen) and end with a return of the “normalcy.” Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I should do this for every holiday. Be safe for Xmas, and enjoy the music! YAY Xmas Arrangement Request # 6:
I was saving this one for the last because I was really happy with how it was turning out, but I finished it last night and I don’t have another to post today, so here we go! I took Jingle Bells (written by James Pierpont, and originally written as a T-giving song) and messed around with it a bit. Everyone loves Jingle Bells, right? The happy, bouncy, spirited classic of the holidays that makes you just want to wrap gifts and give money to the Salvation Army. *PUKE* I said screw that, yo - I want a melancholy Jingle Bells, like For Whom the Jingle Bells Toll or something. So my arrangement is indeed in F minor. It is written for my favorite, Mallet Choir (Chimes, Orchestra Bells, Xylophone, Marimba, and Vibraphone), and plays with split-chord ostinatos, rhythmic lulls and hiccups, and melody trade-offs between voices. It is taken at the crazy speed of 160 bpm, but feels very chill and laid-back due mostly to the ostinatos. Hope you like it. YAY XAR # 5:
And we’re back! Let the arrangements and the Xmas-ing begin again! Our first suggestion that I chose to arrange for 2006 is Coventry Carol, a lesser-known seasonal lullaby. Due to its slow, heavy, chord-laced nature, I chose to write it as a short warmup for Drum Corps brass (Mellophone, Trumpet in D, Trumpet in B flat, Trombone, Baritone, and Sousaphone). The warmup builds in intensity as the carol progresses, and only for the last verse do all the brass play at once. The end is basically an open invitation to push the register as high or low as a player can on his or her instrument. I believe this is a pretty fitting opening to this year’s Xmas Arrangement Requests. Here is: