A Holly Jolly Christmas Spectacular

     This concert is a juxtaposition of serious versus playful music, beginning with the classic Leroy Anderson “A Christmas Festival”.  A medley of some of the most popular Christmas carols starts off the concert in a festive way.  We will feature the strings by themselves in “Capriol Suite” by British composer Peter Warlock.  This six movement suite has a distinct flavor of the British composers Elgar and Vaughan Williams. The winds and brass return for four verses of “Angels We Have Heard On High”. 

      Closing the first half we will have a Sleigh Ride….or two!  First we will perform Mozart's German Dance number three which has been given the nickname "Sleigh Ride."  It is a lively little waltz with sleigh bells.  Then we will move on to the more modern Leroy Anderson “Sleigh Ride” with the famous horse whinny. 

      The second half begins with the whimsical Joseph Haydn “Toy Symphony”.  Featuring only strings, trumpet and interesting percussion, Haydn appeals to your inner child with this short symphony.  Listen for the nightingale, ratchet, and cuckoo bird. 

     The mood turns dramatic with “Russian Christmas Music” by Alfred Reed.  This fifteen minute work is music based in the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church.  It is meant to be played in a singing style since there are no instruments permitted in the church service.  The mood starts very somber and quiet.  The piece then adds brass and percussion and becomes agitated and up tempo.  It returns to a slow but happier mood in 6/4 time.  The piece ends triumphantly with brass and percussion driving to the end.

     “Jingle Bells Forever” is a clever compilation by Robert W. Smith interweaving Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever, Jingle Bells, and other familiar tunes together for a toe tapping ending.