Product Description
"Silent Night" Prelude
for five marimbas arr.
by Dan Heslink
This work is based on the well-loved Christmas
carol, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber. This theme is so popular
that it was declared an intangible
cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2011. And the version sung by Bing Crosby in
1935 is the fourth best-selling single recording of all-time. Its sure to
motivate your audience close to Christmas.
The Prelude begins with a
brisk tempo. Although notated in 3, as is customary in more modern renditions
(the original theme was notated in 6), the tempo must be fast enough that two
measures of 3 create a binary pairing (like 6/4 in two). It may be necessary to
slightly slow down the roll speed to avoid a frenetic sound. The difficulty level is easy. There are no
changes of key, and keyboard parts require only
two mallets each.
The expression of this
beautiful tune will be greatly enhanced by exaggerating the contrasts of
dynamics. Accompaniment and ornamental figures must at all times be sublimated
to the familiar theme. At letter D, players should sing the well-known words in
order to lead the audience or congregation in group singing. It would be
helpful for the conductor to turn and face the audience at this point. This
closing passage may be repeated for any number of sung verses.
Use a smooth, relaxed
stroke to elicit as much legato as possible. At points a continuous arpeggio
accompaniment is divided among the instruments. Care must be taken to keep the
sixteenth note speed consistent. Prelude
on "Silent Night" would serve equally well in recital or in a church service.
Duration is 2:20.
A
recording of this arrangement scored for percussion octet is available under
the listing for "Silent Night Prelude for Percussion Octet." The arranger, Dan
Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.