Stille Nacht (Silent Night)
Originally scored for marimba quartet, this arrangement of the ever-popular Christmas carol "Stille Nacht" (”Silent Night”) has been re-imagined for mixed keyboard quartet with 5 optional parts, including chimes, timpani, and 3 auxiliary percussion.
Medium: Percussion Ensemble (4-9)
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Composed: 2022
Duration: 3:30
Difficulty: Grade 3
Instrumentation
Bells
Vibraphone
Chimes [optional]
Marimba 1 (4-octave)*
Marimba 2 (4.3-octave)*
Timpani (4 drums) [optional]
Percussion 1 [optional]: Triangle, Wind Chimes, Field Drum (or Deep Snare Drum)
Percussion 2 [optional]: Concert Bass Drum, Egg Shaker
Percussion 3 [optional]: Suspended Cymbal, Sleigh Bells
*The two marimba parts may be performed on one 4.3-octave (low A) instrument.
Program Notes
Originally scored for marimba quartet, this arrangement of the ever-popular Christmas carol Stille Nacht (”Silent Night”) has been re-imagined for mixed keyboard quartet with 5 optional parts, including chimes, timpani, and 3 auxiliary percussion. After a brief, reflective introduction, the marimbas provide a warm eighth note ostinato while the bells and vibraphone float the simple, slightly re-harmonized melody on top. The metals and woods then trade roles with a more stately presentation of the tune in the marimbas, which leads to a breathtaking climax. The arrangement concludes in much the same way it begins – with the peace and quiet of a silent night.
– ND
