Ancient Reflections on Christmas - Rebecca Tompkins

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Ancient Reflections of Christmas is a medley in a contemporary setting of four well known carols with a fantasia style. The four songs: Sing We Now of Christmas, Pat-a-Pan, O Come O Come Emmanuel, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman are all great examples of common, minor Christmas tunes; and easy examples to incorporate modal elements as well asvarious styles.

The introduction opens with a listener interpreted adventure into what may seem like Christmas long ago, with the melody enfolding into long tones and suspensions. The more consonant chords in this section impose warm thoughts and emotions associated with the  season. After a long, melodic line running and ascending through each string part, the full verse is heard. Short, but a strong opening to the whole work.

The opening of Pat-A-Pan begins with a minimalistic intro, with fragmented parts of the melody in violin one. Throughout this song, supporting melodies frequently enter in at times with the melody displayed in unpredictable places, then the song comes to a close when slowing down into the dreamy Fantasia section with the viola solo. The viola is the most appropiate string tone to illustrate the transition into the only slow tune featured.

O Come Emmanuel is first demostrated in frequent suspended chords and unusual harmonies, with its completion in a basic form into the solo cellosection. The strongest recognizable dissonant chord is played before the entrance into the last song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, that concludes with a fiery and dramatic ending.

My hope is that you will experience the beauty of this music and enjoy its variety while leaving you with pleasant thoughts through the season.

 

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Violoncello

Double Bass

 

 

c. 7 minutes