2nd album for Alexandra, op. 42

a selection of the most popular German Christmas carols arranged for voice, recorder and piano

Composed: 2000

Instrumentation: see subtitle

Duration (total): 47:00

Annotation:

(Excerpt from the preface of the sheet music edition): The present 2nd album for Alexandra, op. 42 has arisen from the wish to make a part of the traditional German Christmas carols appear in a new "garb" by means of arranged versions, and to make them accessible to a greater extent for home music use by means of a more varied piano setting as well as by means of the trio arrangement. The usual editions of Christmas carols are usually limited to the reproduction of the monophonic melodies, and only in rare cases are chord symbols or piano settings added.
As with the previous album (= Kinder-Lieder, op. 38 - see below), the recorder was deliberately integrated into the arrangement, as it continues to enjoy great popularity among many children and young people as a so-called "starting instrument". As a consequence, the disposition of the keys - also in this album - was conceived especially with regard to the tonal range and the technical characteristics of this instrument. Technical difficulties (e.g. keys that are difficult to play, registers that are too high, etc.) should not hinder access to the song arrangements. Of course, the choice of keys also had to take into account the vocal ranges of children and young people.
In the 4-part piano setting, I have essentially oriented myself in the basic harmonic structure to the listening habits that have crystallised over time for the "harmonic accompaniment apparatus" of these Christmas carols; nevertheless, there are certainly some harmonic surprises ...!

»» see also: 1st album for Alexandra, op. 38 (Children's songs)