In the Still Early Light_thumbnail.jpg
In the Still Early Light_thumbnail.jpg

In the Still Early Light (Orchestra)

from $30.00

Grade 4

This work depicts the beauty and stillness of early morning, and the warmth that the light brings to the unfolding day.

Purchase Options:

Grade 4

This work depicts the beauty and stillness of early morning, and the warmth that the light brings to the unfolding day.

 

Pricing

Printed Score Only: $30
Printed Score + Printed Parts: $149.99
Printed Score + Digital PDF Parts: $149.99
 

Details

Grade 4.5 – Symphony Orchestra (2222 4231 timp. 2 perc. piano strings)
Year of Composition: 2025
Length: 4:00 

See the Score

Program Note

“In the Still Early Light” was commissioned for St. Olaf College's 2025 Christmas Fest by Dr. Chung Park, conductor of the St. Olaf Orchestra. Danyew’s piece is loosely based on the traditional carol, “Still, Still, Still,” originating in Salzburg around 1819 and depicting the baby Jesus sleeping in the manger surrounded by adoring angels and Mary singing a lullaby. “In the Still Early Light” begins with a twinkle from the glockenspiel and a faint yet peaceful murmur from the violins as the piano sings the beginning of the Austrian carol and flows into an original melody. The basses, violas, and cellos enter with graceful strength, anticipating the morning sun soon to rise. An oboe rings from a distance, and as its call comes to an end, the reminder of the morning’s stillness soon reenters. As the beginning piano melody repeats, it fades into the sound of the flute soaring with splendor and finishing the remaining melody. The glockenspiel chimes in with a countermelody, then the strings return. The clarinets, remaining flutes and oboes, and bassoons join the music for the first time, as if awaking from their slumber and awaiting the light that will soon reach the earth. As these instruments crescendo beside the rumble of the timpani and wash of the suspended cymbal, the sun reveals the vast landscape having been shrouded in darkness for hours beforehand. The orchestra decrescendos and the piano melody returns once more, with eyes adjusted to the newfound yet familiar colors of the natural world. - Program note by Abby Schroeder

Music for Orchestra:
In the Still Early Light (Orchestra)

Grade 4

This work depicts the beauty and stillness of early morning, and the warmth that the light brings to the unfolding day.

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