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Fanfares
and Noels is a virtual journey of festive Christmas music. This
journey takes us to chapels, churches, cathedrals, and concert halls where
people have celebrated Christmas for many centuries.
This fanfare announces the arrival of the Archbishop at a Christmas service in a vast cathedral in 20th century England. The piece opens with a quartet of trumpets sounding the main theme backed up by full organ, tympani and percussion.
Of
the wrote twelve Noels
D' aquin wrote for the organ, this one is a personal
favorite. The main theme is announced on the Gedackt 8’ and Nazard 2 2/3’and
repeated on many solo stops and minor choruses. The theme echoes between loud
and soft divisions of the virtual organ. The Zymbelstern (literally “Bell
Star”) is used on the last variation. The virtual place is a small church in
18th century France.
This
traditional song lends itself to a fiery and spirited interpretation in the
style of 19th century French composers. The virtual environment here
is a cathedral in 19th century France, using the chimes and Carillon
in the church steeple.
Reputed to be by J. S. Bach, from the Orgelbuchlein no. 10.
The
Virtual Orchestra recreates the sensational introduction of the Celesta in
the late 19th century.
A
contemporary of Bach, Handel wrote in a much different style. The wonderful
piece seems to survive the test of time. The Trompette en Chemade introduces the work, with the foundation stops of the Great, Swell and Positif in relief. A brass ensemble supports the organ and a duet of trumpets sound the glory at the end, along with the full Great, Swell, Positif, Bombarde and Pedal divisions.
A Christmas song from the rock band Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Four
traditional songs are heard in this collection and have four different styles of
arrangement. Silent Night is a modern
day harmonization of the 19th century hymn. The `Cello plays the
melody, accompanied by the Spitzflote celeste. Adeste Fidelis is in the style of Louis Vierne from early 20th
century France. A flourish played on Flutes 8’ and 4’ has the melody
underneath, played on foundation stops 8’ and 4”. A Grande
Jeu (full organ) Toccata repeats the tune, with the pedal organ playing the
melody. A
brief interlude introduces the traditional Greensleeves.
The treatment here alternates between a stark Recit
reed chorus and Great Organ foundations with plaintive solo stops and lush
accompaniments. Ding Dong Merrily on High is a lighthearted rendering of this
traditional French carol. The organ foundation stops accompany a solo trumpet.
Later repeats of the melody uses the Trompette, Cornopean, Cornomeuse and Cornet
stops. The wrap up this
delightful little piece includes three solo trumpets.
Played by a raucous brass ensemble. Give us some figgy pudding or we'll play louder!
An arranger for the late organists Virgil Fox and Ted Alan Worth, Robert Hebble was a gifted composer as well. The piece is a simple treatment of the Appalachian folk song.
Although not a Christmas piece, Fanfare is a festive way to wrap up this virtual journey. Many of the players heard previously appear, as well as a fly-by of good old St. Nicholas at the end.
John Phillips Sousa, Charles Marie Widor, George Frederich Händel and George Wright all pitch in their two cents worth on this traditional Christmas favourite. A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a New and Glorious Morn…….. |
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