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Midwinter Fantasy (Perc Ens 8)
Genre: Percussion Ensemble
# of Players: 8
Level: Medium | Duration: 4:40
Publisher: C. Alan Publications | Copyright: 2019
Download mp3 | Click on images to left for score sample
Rating:
Price:
$36.00
Item #:
25770
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Notes & Instrumentation
In true “fantasy” fashion, this setting of In the Bleak Midwinter starts with a simple statement of the melody in the metallic keyboards against flowing triplets in the marimbas. The melody then travels through several contrasting moods and meters before returning to the simplicity of the opening measures.
Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 8
Level: Medium | Duration: 4:40
Instrumentation
Bells
Vibraphone
Chimes
Marimba 1 (4-octave)*
Marimba 2 (4.3-octave)*
Timpani (4 drums)
Sleigh Bells
Auxiliary Percussion 1 [Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum (snares off)]
Auxiliary Percussion 2 [Concert Bass Drum, Wind Chimes, Egg Shaker]
*The two marimba parts may be performed on one 4.3-octave (low A) instrument.
Program Notes
In the Bleak Midwinter has always been one of my favorite Christmas songs. Having done an arrangement for solo marimba over 10 years ago in my first Yuletide Marimbist collection, it fun was to return to it for a fresh arrangement for percussion ensemble. In true “fantasy” fashion, this setting starts with a simple statement of the melody in the metallic keyboards against flowing triplets in the marimbas. The melody then travels through several contrasting moods and meters before returning to the simplicity of the opening measures. -
Product Reviews
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Percussive Notes New Literature Review
Nathan Daughtrey has seemingly done the impossible with his arrangement of Gustav Holst’s “In the Bleak Midwinter.” He has taken a work that is often relegated to the middle of a winter recorder concert (albeit a beautiful piece) and made it something that I am excited to listen to. Scored for 8 players, “Midwinter Fantasy” is brilliantly orchestrated into several different styles and melodic variations throughout the five-minute piece. The players’ responsibilities are well balanced, with no single player doing more than the others. In addition to the way Daughtrey uses the melodic content, his use of rhythmic motif serves as a nice aural anchor point for both the performers and audience.
A highlight for me is how well articulated the score is. There is no question where the phrases are and where the music should be going at any point. This is especially helpful for a younger ensemble. Daughtrey writes, “In true ‘fantasy’ fashion, this setting starts with a simple statement of the melody in the metallic keyboards against flowing triplets in the marimbas. The melody then travels through several contrasting moods and meters before returning to the simplicity of the opening measures.”
I highly recommend “Midwinter Fantasy.” The variations on the melody and vertical orchestration is excellent. It is an added bonus that you can program a holiday piece without sacrificing depth and difficulty. It is perfect for a strong middle school ensemble and up.
Joe Millea
Percussive Notes
Vol. 59, No. 2, April 2021
Joe Millea on Jun 17th 2022
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