SKU: CF.YPS259

ISBN 9781491163597. UPC: 680160922383.

Silent Midwinter’s Noel is a fantasia on three traditional Christmas tunes. The introduction of the piece, an Adagietto, alternates between melodic statements of In The Bleak Midwinter and Silent Night. The second main section of the piece, an Allegro, primarily juxtaposes The First Noel and Silent Night.The tempo markings throughout the score are mostly suggestions. The conductor may choose to deviate within five to ten clicks in either direction on their metronome. During the Adagietto, the conductor may also choose to draw out harmonic cadences for increased tension and resolution.The piece is scored in Eb and F major to allow younger performers to achieve excellent intonation. Performers should strive to produce characteristic sounds, especially when playing melodic statements. The tunes within this piece are all carols, and should be played as such. The conductor may choose to teach the performers how to sing the carols for added educational value. Lyrics for the carols are included below:Silent NightSilent night! Holy night!All is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin mother and child!Holy infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace!Sleep in heavenly peace!In the Bleak MidwinterIn the bleak midwinterfrosty wind made moan,earth stood hard as iron,water like a stone:snow had fallen,snow on snow, snow on snow,in the bleak midwinter,long ago.The First NoelThe First Noel the angel did sayWas to certain poor shepherdsin fields as they lay;In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,On a cold winter's night that was so deep.Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,Born is the King of Israel.