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Christmas Toccata

a composition for piano and organ by Robert Train Adams
masterlist : chamber

Duration

3 minutes 50 seconds

Description

A bright, fun romp with recurring hints of the refrain from Angels We Have heard on High. In ABA form, with a slower, softer middle section primarily featuring piano, with a short organ pedal solo, surrounded by the bright, up-tempo A section.

During the A section, the opening material is repeated up a half step. The move to the B section continues the half-step rise, as does the return to the A material. This upward succession is supported harmonically by a flat VII, rather than a more standard cadence. This linear succesion ultimately moves from the original D major up to G major, only to quickly return to the E major of the middle section.

The organ solo of the B section is written in the left hand staff, but may be done by pedal, if desired. Both organ and piano parts have their challenges.

Score Excerpt

included in the description

Sound File

insert midi or mp3 link here