Stille Nacht

General Info

Composer: Franz Gruber
Arranger: Nathan Daughtray
Publisher: C. Alan
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 00:03:30
Cost: $32.00

Instrumentation

Player 1: Glockenspiel
Player 2: Vibraphone
Player 3: Chimes
Player 4: Marimba 1
Player 5: Marimba 2
Player 6: Timpani
Player 7: Wind Chimes & Triangle & Field Drum
Player 8: Bass Drum & Egg Shaker
Player 9: Suspended Cymbal & Sleigh Bells

Description

Originally scored for marimba quartet, this arrangement of the ever-popular Christmas carol Stille Nacht (Silent Night) has been reimagined for mixed keyboard quartet with five optional parts, including chimes, timpani and three auxiliary percussion. After a brief, reflective introduction, the marimbas provide a warm eighth-note ostinato while the glockenspiel and vibraphone float the simple, slightly reharmonized 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.