This lovely ballad about the winter season is perfect for teaching blend, balance, and phrasing to developing band students. With soaring melodies, beautiful harmonic accompaniments, and gentle percussion this is a true depiction of the scenery of a windless and clear winter morning. Use the many inner melodies to develop the always important skill of listening while also introducing the lyrical ballad style to your performers. Duration: 3:15
Program Notes:
I love the winter season, perhaps because I was born in February. My hometown is known for its cold weather in winter. In fact, my first name “Yukiko” means snow girl. My parents gave me this name because it was snowing on the day I was born.
Before I started to write the piece, various images depicting the scenery of a snowy morning developed in my mind. Imagine that there is no wind, no sound, and it is a very clear morning. I heard the sound of an organ playing a traditional chorale somewhere from a distance. This is the scenery of my imagination for this piece.
You will find many inner melodies, dialogues and conversations between the instruments throughout the piece. Listen carefully to the other instruments and stay in tune while you play.