Full Orchestra Music:
Silent Night - For Full Orchestra or String Orchestra and Band
Silent Night for Full Orchestra or String Orchestra and Band is a setting of the traditional carol Silent Night scored to be played by a Full Orchestra, or by a String Ensemble a Wind Band by using the optional saxophone and euphonium parts. It was written so if a band and orchestra wanted to play together on a concert it could accommodate that instrumentation.
The piece seems like a traditional setting however the melody is often scored with harmonies alternating between Bb major and g minor. Because of this, the piece vacillates between emotions of triumph and melancholy, praise and sadness.
Form
Measures 1-16 is an introduction with the chord progression arpeggiated in clarinet with fragments of the melody being presented. A pizzicato string and clarinet transition leads into the next section.
Measures 17-39 is Silent Night scored in both Bb major and g minor. The melody in relatively unchanged but the harmony will alternate between the two keys. Every section of the carol is orchestrated differently, so the timbre of the ensemble evolves as it progresses through each phrase.
Measures 40-43 returns the transitional material with a melodic bridge in low strings, reeds and brass.
Measures 44-66 the traditional carol returns, still alternating between major and minor with much more ornamentation in melody and countermelody and rhythm.
Skills
Meters: 3/4, 6/8
Keys: Bb Major, g minor (first 5 notes)
Techniques:
- Alternating Major and minor keys
- Pizzicato
- Hocket
- Hemiola
- Either melody, countermelody solo or soli sections are included in all parts.
Instrumentation
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone (Opt.)
Tenor Saxophone (Opt.)
Baritone Saxophone (Opt.)
Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
French Horn
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium (opt.)
Tuba
Timpani
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Suspended Cymbals
Crash Cymbals
Wind Chimes
Chimes
Orchestral Bells
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Bass