Cat No. JM49958
Price £47.50
Composer: James Curnow
Category: Christmas Music

Click on MORE DETAILS to listen to an audio extract and view the Solo Cornet part of this work.

PROGRAM NOTE:
Troika is a Russian word that means a group of three and alight, Russian sleigh pulled by three horses is also called a troika. Christmas Troika portrays the joy of Christmas via a musical sleigh-ride. Listen as the glistening snow crinkles beneath the wait of the sleigh and the hooves of the prancing horses as it travels through the countryside. One can almost see the frost on the trees, the wind blow and the sleigh-bells ring as the tune 0 Come, All Ye Faithful wends its way through the music.

NOTE TO THE CONDUCTOR:
The music is joyous and light and should be approached in this manner; never too loud or too heavy or overplayed. The fast and energetic tempo is constant throughout the piece and should not be affected by the style or dynamic levels.
When the carol (0 Come, All Ye Faithful (just the middle part of the carol is used.. .0 come, Let Us Adore Him) is introduced in measure 20 (beginning with a two beat pick-up in measure 19), it must be dominant in the texture of the music. Feel free to adapt the dynamic levels to make this work with your band.

To help negotiate the C concert key signature, accidentals have been occasionally added as reminders. Be sure to give prominence to the sleigh-bells whenever they appear and let the whip crack in measure 53 be loud and clear.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year !
James Curnow.