Description

This piece evokes a collection of conflicting sensations of late autumn: the bright landscapes
that first snow brings, the final lawn mowing session, heated postseason college football talk,
and the growing realization that winter is coming. It never fails; holiday shopping sneaks up on
everyone as soon as unsuspecting shoppers see those giant red and green candy canes
adorning shopping malls on the first day of November. The solemn low brass, followed by the
trumpets’ echo of the main theme, evokes a sudden drop in temperature and the shortening
days. The mallets and marching band like percussion set this mood in motion while the winds
stay busy painting a brisk, jaunty backdrop.
The middle of the piece serves as the quiet solace of the Advent season, the heart of this piece.
After completing the work, I had the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas morning
through the eyes of our children. It was that sense of warmth, wonder, and stillness that I
wanted to capture sonically.
I would describe the piece as a modern prequel to Hounds of Spring by Alfred Reed. Prepare
yourself for a fun, yet precarious romp through the frosty air(e).

Perusal Score