Orchestra String
Orchestra - Grade 1.5-2
SKU: CF.FAS38
Composed by Franz Xaver
Gruber. Arranged by Roy
Phillippe. Carl Fischer
First Plus String
Orchestra Series. Sacred,
Christmas. Score and
Parts. With Standard
notation. 8 pages. Carl
Fischer Music #FAS38.
Published by Carl Fischer
Music (CF.FAS38).
ISBN
9780825861130. UPC:
798408061135. 8.5 X 11
inches. Key: D
major.
One of the
most beloved of all
Christmas carols is
presented in an easy, yet
beautiful arrangement by
Roy Phillippe. Every
sections is given a
chance to play the melody
in the very playable
setting. The optional
piano part adds interest
and colorful lines to
this already very special
piece.
I am of the
opinion that a piece of
music is not judged by
how difficult it is to
play, but by how good it
sounds. While my
arrangement of Silent
Night is written for
beginning string players,
I have tried to keep it
interesting for all
players. It should be
played warmly with
expression to create a
full sound.The piece
begins with an
introduction based on the
three-note Silent Night
motive. The main melody
is introduced in m. 5 by
the first Violins, and is
harmonized by the second
Violins and Violas. The
Cellos reiterate the
motive in mm. 6,8,10 and
11. Beginning at m.12 the
motive alternates between
the Violin II and the
Cellos. The melody is
played tutti until the
key change at m.29, at
which point when the
Cellos and Basses take
the melody with light
accompaniment in the
Violins and Violas. The
final statement of the
melody is played by the
first violins beginning
in m. 37. The Silent
Night motive from the
beginning alternates
between Violin II and the
Cellos to the end.
