Rocherolle, Eugenie Ricau : Christmas Side by Side
Work Overview
First Publisher:Kjos
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:15 min 00 sec
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: November 15, 2022
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
One of the many Christmas collections (11 for solo, 4 for piano duet) written by Rocherolle under various concepts. Essentially, it is a re-arrangement for piano duet of 12 selected pieces from the total of 33 pieces included in her first work for piano solo, Christmas Around the Piano (1982). This is her first work for piano duet. As can be said for all of her piano duet pieces, the texture is intentionally kept light, resulting in a pleasant, clear, and refined sound. Despite being written three-dimensionally with counterpoint in mind, it is also easy to play together, which is a positive aspect. The aforementioned solo version was dedicated to the composer's three children, while this duet version was dedicated to her husband, Didier. It seems to have been written in a lively living room, and lyrics are provided so that everyone can sing along. With orthodox selections and straightforward arrangements, it is easy to use. A heartwarming album.
- Angels We Have Heard on High (荒野の果てに) Smoothly 4/4 G major
- Away In a Manger (はるか彼方の飼い葉桶で) Cheerily 3/8 G major
- Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella (たいまつ手に手に、ジャネット、イザベラ) Lightly 6/8 G major
- Deck the Halls (ひいらぎかざろう) Allegro, in the manner of Bach 4/4 E major
- The First Noel (まきびとひつじを) Serenely 3/4 D major
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (天には栄え, Mendelssohn) Perky 4/4 F major
- I Saw Three Ships (三艘の船を見た) Lively 4/4 G major
- It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (天なる神には) Gaily 6/4 A major
- Jingle Bells (ジングルベル) Somewhat slowly - Spirited 4/4 B-flat major
- O Come, All Ye Faithful (神の御子は今宵しも) Stately 4/4 G major
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (久しく待ちにし主よとく来りて) Smoothly 4/4 E minor
- Silent Night (きよしこの夜, Gruber) Warmly 3/4 C major
Movements (12)
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Key: G-Dur
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Key: A-Dur