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Home > Rocherolle, Eugenie Ricau > Yuletide Cheer

Rocherolle, Eugenie Ricau : Yuletide Cheer

Work Overview

Music ID : 5448
Publication Year:1987
First Publisher:Kjos
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:10 min 00 sec

Commentary (1)

Author : Nishihara, Masaki

Last Updated: October 19, 2021
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Between 1982 and 2012, Rochellor published 11 Christmas collections for piano solo and 4 for piano four-hands. Counting individual pieces, the total amounts to 117 solo pieces and 30 four-hand pieces. The range of genres is wide, from traditional Christmas carols to contemporary popular songs. The compositional approaches are also diverse, including simple arrangements that leverage the original's charm, secondary creations that showcase originality, or a blend of these, with each collection highlighting distinct characteristics. For example, there are 8 different arrangements of "Silent Night" alone (7 for solo, 1 for four-hands), offering the enjoyment of comparing performances. It is also enjoyable to select pieces according to the occasion, from home parties to full-scale concerts.

What can be felt from Rochellor's series of Christmas collections is how important Christmas is to Americans. For instance, even in a small arrangement of a Christmas carol, the spirit of the original lyrics is vividly conveyed, warmly enveloping both performer and listener. A natural empathy arises among those present. This inclusiveness is likely also the depth of American culture. It is understandable that a fundamental difference emerges when compared to Japanese arrangements. For us in Japan, these collections can be said to be the best guide for thoroughly enjoying the true essence of Christmas.

The Joy of Christmas

Rochellor's first Christmas collection was "Christmas Around the Piano" (1982). This first work is a long-selling album that compiles 33 diverse arrangements and has been reprinted numerous times to date. Following the success of the first work, the second Christmas collection for piano solo, "The Joy of Christmas," was published in 1987. While it can be said that the ambitious first work naturally leaned towards a comprehensive and extensive content, this work focuses on beginner pianists, featuring 13 major carols. The arrangements are sophisticated and playful, using a minimal number of notes. This work includes a dedication: "To my children — Valerie, Laurent, Damien, and Justin." These arrangements were born from family gatherings around the piano in a lively home with her husband, Didier, and their three sons and one daughter. While it contains the simplest arrangements among Rochellor's Christmas collections, including "Silent Night," their charm is profound. Since they can be played at the Burgmüller level, it is highly recommended to actively incorporate them into lessons.

  • 1. Angels We Have Heard on High (荒野の果てに). With dignity, 4/4, F major.
  • 2. Away In a Manger (はるか彼方の飼い葉桶で). Gently, 3/4, G major.
  • 3. Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (たいまつ手に手に、ジャネット、イザベラ). Cheerily, 6/8, F major.
  • 4. Deck the Halls (ひいらぎかざろう). Peppy, 4/4, C major.
  • 5. The First Noel (まきびとひつじを). Dance-like, 3/4, D major.
  • 6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (天には栄え). Sprightly, 4/4, G major.
  • 7. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (天なる神には). Brightly, 3/4, B-flat major.
  • 8. Joy to the World (もろびとこぞりて). Happily, 2/2, D major.
  • 9. O Come, All Ye Faithful (神の御子は今宵しも). Proudly, 4/4, F major.
  • 10. O Little Town of Bethlehem (ああベツレヘムよ). In the classic style, 4/4, E-flat major.
  • 11. Silent Night (きよしこの夜). Warmly, 3/4, B-flat major.
  • 12. We Three Kings (我らはきたりぬ). Stately, 3/4, E minor.
  • 13. What Child Is This? (御使いうたいて). Flowing, 3/4, E minor.

Movements (13)

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Away In a Manger

Key: G-Dur 

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Deck the Halls

Key: C-Dur 

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The First Noel

Key: D-Dur 

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Joy to the World

Key: D-Dur 

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Silent Night

Key: B-Dur 

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We Three Kings

Key: e-moll 

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What Child Is This?

Key: e-moll 

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Scores List (12)