Nadia Boulanger's Three Pieces for Viola and Piano transcribed from the original for Cello. Posterity has retained of Nadia Boulanger only her gifts as a virtuoso of the piano and organ her skill as a conductor (of vocal ensemble and orchestra) and most of all her incredible charisma as a teacher. For nearly sixty years 'Mademoiselle' made the most of her famous Wednesdays bringing rigour and passion to the training of several generations of musicians: among so many others Aaron Copland Leonard Bernstein Igor Markevitch Michel Legrand Witold Lutoslawski Astor Piazzolla Quincy Jones and John-Eliot Gardiner have all kept unforgettable memories of thesetimes.Was Nadia Boulanger wrong to let teaching music take precedence over her composing as Gabriel Fauré the great master she venerated believed? The publication of Three Pieces for Viola and Piano raises the question. This transcription of Three Pieces for cello and piano was composed between 1911 and 1913 and published by Heugel. The two initial pieces were originally written for organ: the first in E flat minor brings a moderate tempo to a melancholy cantilena with Romantic accents while the second in A minor exudes warmth and tenderness. The third piece (C sharp minor) most likely originally titled Danse espagnole heralds the Roaring Twenties with its restlessness and festive crackle. Together they emit a charm that is difficult to resist.

Remember fighting off the Sandman, desperately struggling to stay awake at the chance that you might catch a glimpse of Saint Nick. Every rustle or bump made you jolt from your quilted pod and race to the living room where the lit tree posed, draped in soft light. Still no Santa! It took all your energy to climb back into bed with your eyelids drawn and your body heavy. Tucked back in as best as you could with the sheets and pillows slightly disheveled, you dozed off while musical thoughts fill your groggy head. A wide, animated grin filled your face as you dreamt of chilly nights of caroling and warm, fire-lit sing-a-longs. Music has always been an integral part of the holiday season. As everyone knows, there is no better way to celebrate than with a song. Re-live your childhood memories and share your love of music this holiday season with Santa's Little Helper published by Santorella Publications. Santa's Little Helper for Viola is also written as solos or duets in accommodating keys for Violin, Cello and Bass. This best selling Santorella Publication includes a piano accompaniment CD with lyrics, so the whole family can sing along. The Piano Accompaniment book for this Stringed Instrument Edition is sold separately. Santorella's Horn Edition is also available for trumpet, clarinet, flute, alto sax and trombone../ Recueil / Alto et Piano