Christmas Prelude

Composed in 2022, this prelude was premiered on Christmas Eve by Monica Salas, flute and the composer at the piano. Following a "call-to-attention" introduction, there are three movements, each capturing an aspect of the holiday season: first, the fun of lights, snow, parties and shopping; next, the meditative awe of the Christmas story; finally, full-voiced rejoicing as if preparing for a church service (as was the original setting of the work). Though each "movement" is made up of original material, each one incorporates a familiar holiday tune: Jingle Bells, Silent Night and Angels We Have Heard On High, respectively. If performers require a shorter musical prelude, the individual movements can be divided with minimal re-arranging.