Finale for a Winter Festival

James Curnow

The concept behind James Curnow's Finale for a Winter Festival centers on the use of material taken from standard and non-traditional carols. The opening fanfare sets the majestic quality of the opening carol and is used sporadically throughout this collection of carols. There are several references to various carols, but only two are used in their entirety. Both of these carols are traditional English carols. The first, Once, In Royal David's City (1849) is known better than the second, Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (1833). Other carols referred to but not quoted directly are: Angels, We Have Heard On High (French traditional, 1842); Away in the Manger (American, 1895); and the well-known Carol of the Bells . This work was created by Curnow to fulfill many requests for a finale-type composition with which to conclude a Winter Festival.

Last updated on July 7, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band