Sierra Sleigh Ride
Sierra Sleigh Ride is a programmatic piece, imagination-ready so to speak. The winter scene opens at a stable in the high Sierras as an eager couple climbs into the seat of a one-horse sleigh. The driver urges the horse out into the lightly blowing snow in a picturesque valley surrounded by snowy mountains and forest. (My own experience was in Squaw Valley near Lake Tahoe). Beginning slowly at a trot, soon an increase in speed gives way to a little slipping and sliding of the runners along the snowy track. The bells on the horse's collar respond, jingling to the sleigh and horse’s motion and echo through the valley. Further on, the moderate pace is just right for the riders to enjoy the snowy mountain scenery. The pace quickens after a while and suddenly a second sleigh comes alongside, disquieting horse and driver. There is a brief competition for the track. Tension arises and crescendos for a while as drivers jockey for who will be first. But the situation resolves as the other sleigh veers off onto another track. Safe again, horse and driver are now in perfect rhythm even as the snow covered forest comes more clearly into view and skiers are visible high up on the slopes. But evening is coming on and soon the horse senses the driver’s reins guiding them all back to the stable. The expansive mood lingers as horse, driver and guests anticipate the arrival home. The ride finishes in the busy stable with a flourish.
Sierra Sleigh Ride was influenced by a The Sleigh (A la Russe) by Richard Kountz (1926). I accompanied my father singing this song many times during the Christmas holidays. I recently came across the sheet music and found I had captured the upbeat atmosphere, the tempo and the use of chromatics in my own work.
Form: Intro A B A C Coda
Duration: 4:50
Key: D minor (modal)
Instrumentation is Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in C, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Triangle, Finger Cymbals, Sleigh Bells, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Harp, Strings
Sierra Sleigh Ride was influenced by a The Sleigh (A la Russe) by Richard Kountz (1926). I accompanied my father singing this song many times during the Christmas holidays. I recently came across the sheet music and found I had captured the upbeat atmosphere, the tempo and the use of chromatics in my own work.
Form: Intro A B A C Coda
Duration: 4:50
Key: D minor (modal)
Instrumentation is Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in C, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Triangle, Finger Cymbals, Sleigh Bells, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Harp, Strings
| Brickey: Sierra Sleigh Ride |