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Home > Gillock, William > Album for chirdren > Sleighbells in the snow

Gillock, William : Album for chirdren Sleighbells in the snow

Work Overview

Music ID : 45162
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:1 min 30 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection

Commentary (1)

Author : Sugiura, Nanako

Last Updated: June 18, 2025
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

This is an imaginative piece that evokes a scene of a sleigh dashing through a snowy landscape, with repeated figures in the high register imitating the sound of bells, set to a light rhythm. The right hand should aim for a bell-like resonance, while the left hand should be played smoothly and continuously, representing the propulsion of the sleigh. The eighth-note rests should not be treated merely as pauses; rather, if interpreted as quick breaths before entering the next phrase, they will imbue the melody with momentum. At measure 10, the key modulates to A minor, a melody appears in the right hand, and the dynamics shift from forte (f) to pianissimo (pp). In this section, the soft pedal may be used, and it is effective to express this with a muted, soft timbre. Subsequently, releasing the soft pedal when the dynamics become piano (p) along with the harmonic change will likely highlight the change in timbre. Following this, in the section progressing from mezzo forte (mf) to forte (f), the melody becomes sprightly. Emphasize the staccatissimo. From measure 16, descend rapidly with a descending figure, building momentum towards the sforzando (sf) on the first beat of measure 18. From there, it becomes a rhythmic passage. Use accents effectively, aiming to convey not only strength but also a firm weight, with a sensation akin to stamping one's feet. The climax from measures 26 to 29 should be played powerfully, as if the sound of bells resonates through the cold air. From measure 30, the same figure as at the beginning returns, leading towards a quiet conclusion, as if the sleigh is departing into the distance.

Writer: Sugiura, Nanako

Sheet Music