Composer

:

Ken Darby

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

6:13

'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a choral work composed by Ken Darby in 1942. The piece is based on the famous poem of the same name by Clement Clarke Moore, which tells the story of a visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The work was premiered by the Norman Luboff Choir and has since become a beloved holiday classic. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the poem. The first movement, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," sets the scene for the arrival of Santa Claus. The music is light and playful, with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The choir sings the opening lines of the poem, "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house / Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." The second movement, "The Children Were Nestled," is a tender and lyrical section that describes the children sleeping peacefully in their beds. The music is gentle and soothing, with a lullaby-like quality. The choir sings the lines, "The children were nestled all snug in their beds, / While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads." The final movement, "He Sprang to His Sleigh," is a lively and energetic section that depicts Santa Claus as he prepares to leave. The music is fast-paced and joyful, with a sense of excitement and celebration. The choir sings the lines, "But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, / Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" Overall, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a charming and delightful work that captures the spirit of the holiday season. Darby's music perfectly complements Moore's timeless poem, creating a musical interpretation that is both faithful to the original text and uniquely expressive. The piece has become a beloved classic that is performed by choirs and orchestras around the world during the holiday season.

More....