Rocherolle, Eugenie Ricau : Christmas Time Is Here
Work Overview
First Publisher:Hal Leonard
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:10 min 00 sec
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: October 19, 2021
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
This album features popular Christmas songs arranged for piano four-hands. The arrangements are generally simple, with very few notes. Despite the straightforward ensemble, the resulting sound is surprisingly rich, creating an indescribably warm resonance that relaxes those present. The title track, placed at the beginning, is a gem known as “Snoopy's Merry Christmas” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” It's an arrangement that makes both Snoopy fans and non-fans alike involuntarily smile. The samba taste of “Feliz Navidad,” a representative Latin American Christmas song, is also impressive. It's also pleasing that The Beach Boys' Christmas rock song “Little Saint Nick” is included. The album's highlight is the moment in “White Christmas” when, after a two-page prelude, the melody begins to sing with breathtaking delicacy. It can be called a masterful arrangement that re-introduces the beauty of this song. What's truly remarkable about this album is the inclusion of “I'll Be Home For Christmas,” which was released as the B-side of “White Christmas.” It evokes a flood of emotions for family far away. It's an irresistible classic for anyone with a hometown. While it's a shame that this album can only be played for about a month out of the year, perhaps that very special luxury further enhances the value of music that adorns Christmas.
Track List
- Track 1: Christmas Time Is Here
- Lyrics and Music by Lee Mendelson, Vince Guaraldi.
- Rather slowly 3/4 E-flat major.
- Track 2: Here Comes Santa Claus
- Lyrics and Music by Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman.
- Cheerfully 2/2 G major.
- Track 3: I'll Be Home For Christmas
- Lyrics by Kim Gannon, Music by Walter Kent.
- Moderately slow 2/2 C major.
- Track 4: Feliz Navidad
- Lyrics and Music by José Feliciano.
- Moderate Latin beat 4/4 B-flat major.
- Track 5: Little Saint Nick
- Lyrics and Music by Brian Wilson, Mike Love.
- Moderately fast 4/4 G major.
- Track 6: White Christmas
- Lyrics and Music by Irving Berlin.
- Somewhat slowly 4/4 F major.