Stephen Smith
Vancouver pianist, composer/arranger, choral conductor, teacher, and writer on music
Christmas Fantasia on Chopin's Étude in F Major
SM-000528157
| Composer | Frédéric Chopin |
|---|
Arranger
|
Stephen Smith |
|
Lyricist
|
Unknown (works before 1850) |
| Publisher | Stephen Smith |
|---|
| Genre |
Classical / Arrangement |
| Instrumentation |
Piano, Female choir, Children’s choir |
| Scored for | Solo, Choir |
|---|
| Type of score | Piano-vocal score |
|---|
| Key |
F major |
| Duration |
3'0" |
|---|
| Language | English |
|---|
| Description: |
| This is a bit of an oddity, admittedly, but in the event that you have a virtuoso pianist and a treble choir performing together at Christmas, it could be just what you're looking for! Such was the case in 2016, when Vancouver pianist Jane Coop was the guest of Elektra Women's Choir at their annual "Chez Nous" holiday concert. I created this piece in order to have something on the programme that was both Christmassy and yet involved the full-on pianism that would typically be on display at one of Jane's solo recitals. Somehow I managed to combine the melodies of not one but two familiar carols ("Joy to the World" and "O Thou Joyful Day") with the flamboyant filigree and wild chromatics -- joyful in their own right! -- of Chopin's Etude Op. 10, No.8. The result, according to Elektra's artistic director, Morna Edmundson, is "a fun, bright, and somewhat dizzying experience"! |
Upload date: 23 Aug 2021
