Alfred Bösendorfer has always been fascinated by the solitude of the mountains. Especially during Christmas time a special atmosphere lays over the alpine country, leaving everyone happy and content from within. The fantasy “Weihnachten in den Bergen” (Christmas in the Mountains) is characterized by Alpine sounds, such as alphorn motifs that take the listeners on a journey to the Christmassy mountain world. An elaborate introduction puts us in the right mood for Advent season as a time of serenity and reflection. Long, steady notes (pedal tones) in the middle and lower sections form a solid ground for an increasingly vivid and modulating melody. After a short return to quietness, the first Christmas song “Es wird scho glei dumpa” resounds, gradually gaining strength. An interlude (Echo der Berge) leads over to “Heiligste Nacht” in 6/8 time. A soft and continuous cymbal roll symbolizes the cold winterly air in “Auf dem Berge, da wehet der Wind”, its melody soloisticly presented by the tenorhorns. A short passage that Alfred Bösendorfer entitled “quasi recitativo” closes the first part of the composition, hinting on a special event to come. After a few measures in a minor key, it suddenly becomes clear what everybody has been waiting for: In “Leise rieselt der Schnee” we hear the snow softly flaking down from the sky, enchanting young and old. A final transition with alphorn-like sounds leads over to “Still, still, still” that brings the fantasy “Weihnachten in den Bergen” to a reflective and delicate conclusion.
Fantasy on Alpine Christmas Carols for Concert Band and opt. Choir (SATB / german lyrics).
Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Es wird scho glei dumpa (Es wird schon gleich dunkel)
3. Heiligste Nacht
4. Auf dem Berge, da wehet der Wind
5. Leise rieselt der Schnee
6. Still, still, still
Christmas in the Mountains Alfred Bösendorfer has always been fascinated by the solitude of the mountains. Especially during Christmas time a special atmosphere lays over the alpine country, leaving everyone happy and content from within. The fantasy “Weihnachten in den Bergen” (Christmas in the Mountains) is characterized by Alpine sounds, such as alphorn motifs that take the listeners on a journey to the Christmassy mountain world. An elaborate introduction puts us in the right mood for Advent season as a time of serenity and reflection. Long, steady notes (pedal tones) in the middle and lower sections form a solid ground for an increasingly vivid and modulating melody. After a short return to quietness, the first Christmas song “Es wird scho glei dumpa” resounds, gradually gaining strength. An...