Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Ballad - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Originally known as the theme song for the Claude Thornhill Orchestra, Snowfall was the title track for Tony Bennett's 1968 Christmas album. Robert Farnon's orchestration provides a lush, yet tranquil, setting for Bennett's golden tenor. Although the arrangement is quite short, it's an unforgettable musical experience for anyone who listens to it.

The performance begins in a slow, somewhat rubato fashion, with the orchestra weaving in and around Bennett's rhythmically loose interpretation of the melody. Several different musical devices are used to mimic the titular snowfall - these include trilling flutes and violins, sweeping harp runs, and twinkling chromaticism from the celeste. Some occasional solo counterlines (first in the English horn, then in the trombone) add to the magical atmosphere. A slightly faster, more steady tempo emerges at measure 19, just in time for the bridge. The string accompaniment here becomes quite a bit more ornate before returning to the fluttering trills once more at measure 29. An extended vamp and fade serves as an appropriately gentle way of bringing the performance to a close.

Included is an alternate oboe part in case your ensemble does not have an English horn player.

This publication was prepared from the original parts that were used during the 1968 recording session - this is not a transcription.

 

Full Score
Vocal
3 Flutes
Clarinet
English Horn (or Oboe)
Bass Clarinet
4 Trumpets
3 Horns in F
3 Trombones
Bass Trombone
3 Violins (14 Players Recommended)
Viola (4 Players Recommended)
Cello (4 Players Recommended)
Double Bass
Harp
Guitar
Celeste
Piano
Rhythm Bass
Percussion: Vibraphone
Drum Set
Oboe (Optional Alternate Part for English Horn)

Vocal Key: F
Trumpet 1: F#5
Trombone 1: C5