Stille Nacht

Originally scored for marimba quartet, this arrangement of the ever-popular Christmas carol Stille Nacht (Silent Night) has been reimagined for mixed keyboard quartet with five optional parts, including chimes, timpani, and three auxiliary percussion. After a brief, reflective introduction, the marimbas provide a warm eighth-note ostinato while the bells and vibraphone float the simple, slightly reharmonized melody on top. The metals and woods then trade roles with a more stately presentation of the tune in the marimbas, which leads to a breathtaking climax. The arrangement concludes in much the same way it begins – with the peace and quiet of a silent night.