Franz Grueber/Charles Maggs
4 octaves, Level D
Franz Grueber's classic and beloved Christmas carol has been transformed into a spellbinding and challenging work in this fresh and imaginative arrangement. The opening strains of the piece begin with a delicate snowfall of sound from the treble bells that acts as a backdrop for the introduction of a fragment of the melody in the middle bells. The melody then shifts to the upper register as the snowfall pattern drifts into the middle bells, all the while underlined with sustained bass sounds. The selection then bridges into a short section that uses a transformation of the opening phrase, building the sound with thickening chords and increasing dynamics until a new key is reached at the end of the crescendo. The familiar tune then bursts forth once again with renewed vigor, pushing ever higher to the final phrase. Once the hold is released, the piece closes in hushed wonder as the opening melodic fragments and patterns quietly fade away. Three of the parts have extensive 4-in-hand passages, with the highest part making heavy use of travelling 4-in-hand. The work makes an especially effective prelude, offertory or other addition for any Christmastime service or concert. Also available from Genesis Press (GP 2007 ).

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