Silent Night (Inspired By Gymnopedie No. 1 by Erik Satie)

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass, Piano — One of the most beautiful and most popular of all Christmas carols is blended together with one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces by impressionist composer Erik Satie. The subtle and simplistic beauty of Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1 formed the inspiration for this arrangement. The two pieces compliment each other extremely well.Satie's work is a study in compositional economy. The subtle nature of his work was typical of the impressionistic movement in art and music. Approach performing this arrangement as you would pieces by Satie, Debussy and Ravel. All dynamics should be understated. The tone should be lush, and the style veryxa0sostenuto. It is critical that the accompaniment figures shape each phrase to match the melodic line. The melody should be performed in axa0cantabile style with a warm vibrato, if possible.There are not very many technical demands placed upon the performers; however, this should be a challenge musically. It is an opportunity to use Christmas material to teach students about an important style in music history, and how to play in a musical and subtle way. I encourage you to play a recording of Satie's Gymnopedie No.1 as part of the study of this arrangement. It also might be helpful to show your students some of the wonderful impressionistic art from the same time period.It has been my pleasure to have had the opportunity to write this piece. I hope that you and your students find it useful for your program.-Larry ClarkNew York, New York 2000 In this sweetly impressionistic holiday piece, Larry Clark has arranged the beloved carol Silent Night in the style of Eric Satie's celebrated Gymnopédie No. 1. The lovely added counter melodies and radiant string writing will make this selection a fine addition to seasonal programs, and the limited technical challenges will make it easy to prepare. Duration: 2'