Rocherolle, Eugenie Ricau : Christmas Together
Work Overview
First Publisher:Hal Leonard
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:11 min 00 sec
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: October 19, 2021
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
This album features arrangements for piano four-hands of five popular Christmas classics and one traditional carol. While the arrangements are designed for ease of play, the overall ensemble achieves a profound and mellow finish. Commencing with Elvis Presley's signature piece, "Blue Christmas," this album is clearly oriented towards an adult audience. In the following track, Mel Tormé's classic "The Christmas Song," the secondo also takes a solo, with the primo's exquisite interjections, creating a dreamily romantic moment. "Santa Baby," featuring an exhilarating funk beat, is widely recognized through covers by artists such as Madonna and Kylie Minogue, and is a song in which the singer requests "a car, a yacht, and a ring" from Santa. Conversely, the carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is also delightful, evoking a childlike innocence and bringing comfort to all, singing for a prosperous New Year. Each arrangement is so inherently natural and unforced that it is difficult to conceive of alternative interpretations. Its captivating quality encourages repeated listening without satiety. This album is highly recommended for adult pianists seeking to engage in four-hand performance.
Track List
- 1. Blue Christmas ブルー・クリスマス. Words and Music by Billy Hayes, Jay Johnson. Moderately, with feeling 4/4 F major.
- 2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) ザ・クリスマス・ソング. Words and Music by Mel Tormé, Robert Wells. Warmly 4/4 D major.
- 3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 赤鼻のトナカイ. Words and Music by Johnny Marks. Moderately slow 4/4 C major.
- 4. Santa Baby サンタ・ベイビー. Words and Music by Joan Javits, Phil Springer, Tony Springer. Moderately slow 4/4 A-flat major.
- 5. Up on the Housetop 屋根の上で. Words and Music by Benjamin Hanby. Allegro, in the manner of Bach 4/4 F major.
- 6. We Wish You a Merry Christmas おめでとうクリスマス. English Folk Song. Cheerfully 3/4 B-flat major.
Movements (6)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Key: C-Dur