Christmas Morning Mood

Description

This clever mash-up of Christmas Carols with the classic from Edvard Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” is a unique new addition to the winter repertoire. There’s plenty to teach in this one, while staying in the first position. We know you’ll love this piece for the holidays!

Program Notes

“Christmas Morning Mood” is a mash-up of the famous Edvard Grieg Morning Mood from the Peer Gynt Suite with perennial Christmas carols Silent Night and O Tannenbaum (or O Christmas Tree). Think of this piece as a reflective moment on Christmas morning after the presents are all unwrapped and everyone is satisfied, basking in the joy of the season.

Grieg’s masterwork sets the contemplative mood of the piece before the carols are layered in quodlibet in the same relaxing spirit. Each carol gets to shine, and the setting builds to a climactic moment with hints of all three songs linked together.
It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.

-Larry Clark