Terrence Niska
Composer • Arranger
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Composer Notes
One of the more technically demanding preludes in this set, it is a definite workout for the right hand as it is nonstop triplets from beginning to end. Not only must the wrist remain loose, but the melody is contained in the right hand amidst the steady torrent of sixteenth note triplets. There is also a wonderful two measure hemiola figure where the meter seems to shift temporarily before returning to the established meter.
The exuberance and excitement of the good news of Christ’s birth is the driving force behind this arrangement. Symphonic in its conception, the pianist needs to keep that in mind as they bring all the forces of the orchestra to bear. There are instances of brass chords, swirling string lines, singing woodwinds and thundering timpani, sometimes happening all at the same time. A tour de force and an excellent concert finale!
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