Band

For wind orchestra and male choir, Jacob de Haan's unique treatment of this Christmas classic, Still Nacht, or Silent Night, will be an audience favorite at your holiday concert. 44004840 Choral Parts: $1.95 each

This piece depicts the refined beauty of the Grand Canyon at sunrise and sunset. These are the best times to view the Canyon, with the sun low in the sky, casting shadows that give depth and form to the vast panorama. Angel's Gate is one of the many named rock formations in the Canyon. The composer has tried to depict the sights and sounds of dawn, birdsong in the early morning sky and the gradual revelation of the Canyon itself as sunlight reaches into its rocky depths. Towards the end of the piece, to the sound of a tolling bell, we are, however, reminded of the dangers that the beauty of the Grand Canyon so cleverly hides.

As the sun heads towards the western horizon and slowly slips from view, the sky creates a dazzling display of yellows, oranges, and reds, before turning a calm blue, then purple and finally black. Such sunsets inspired Jan de Haan to write this piece for solo clarinet or oboe and concert band. Dur: 3:35

The famous Te Deum Prelude by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1634-1704) is one of the best-known works of the baroque period. Charpentier studied both painting and composition in Italy before returning to his native France where he took up the post of music master to the dauphin. He also worked at the Thatre Franais where he collaborated with Molire. He then returned to court and became music director to the Princesse de Guise, composition teacher to the Duke d'Orleans and wrote music for the dauphin's chapel. His Te Deum, of which the Prelude has become well-known, is one of many pieces he wrote for important state and religious occasions.