Faith, Rebecca

Following a bell-like introduction, the O Holy Night melody is heard in different colours, first on the flutes mid register, then in the piano bass, back to the flute and its higher register and then in a more chordal manner from the piano's treble. This arrangement by Rebecca Faith has a definite gradual growth in richness and emotion, climaxing at the key change where the flute is heard playing a very passion filled counter melody.

This arrangement by Rebecca Faith is not what is usually expected when labelled with the familiar title Silent Night. This piece of music is more of a variation of themes, the familiar melodies remaining recognisable but treated as small pockets of atmospheric motifs rather than one long lyrical melody. The style and harmonies have a more experimental magical feel whilst remaining easy on the ear, and are created to capture the attention and imagination of the listener.

A lively interpretation by Rebecca Faith, the Joy to the World melody is heard layered with original melodies and motifs. An interesting rhythmic idea binds the piece together making it sparkle and dance, with the underlying semiquaver movement creating an exciting shimmer effect. The constant shifting of key, texture and melodic ideas makes this an arrangement that will keep both the performer and listener on their toes.

This is a highly unique arrangement by Rebecca Faith. Its features are laid back jazzy chords and syncopated rhythms within a 6/8 structure. There is frequent use of clashing seconds in the harmony, but the familiar melody is prominent and not lost. This piece has five clear sections: a verse of the melody, a piano solo, another verse of the melody, a flute solo, then a final rendition of the melody - but here the flute continues to maintain an experimental feel, combining the verse and solo sections to conclude.

This arrangement of Away in a Manger by Rebecca Faith incorporates two traditional melodies woven together seamlessly to create a refreshing interpretation of a universally familiar song. A verse of the traditional American tune is heard first on the piano before being interrupted by the flute taking over with the British melody. Piano interludes of the American themes return but never in full until the end of the piece where it returns to its original starting point. As much as the familiar melodies are recognisable they are laced with jazzy harmonies and a nonchalant improvisatory style.

The title Seren Y Nos is Welsh for Star of the Night. This atmospheric piece by Rebecca Faith is based on a simple bass line made up of three chords but the overall result is quite complex. There are two main themes, the first heard on the piano, the second introduced by the flute - these two themes are then layered, inverted and heard in different ranges, timbres and textures to create a sound that goes far beyond two simple themes. The result is a magical sound that has a distinct enchanting impression of a vast open space, hence the title Star of the Night.

Deliberately fun and slightly tongue in cheek, this arrangement by Rebecca Faith is challenging but highly enjoyable. The new composed melodies become as much loved as the original tune, seamlessly layered and intertwined. The descending bass line, punchy accents and shifting time signatures give this piece a sense of a 'swing' style. Definitely a piece that requires strong drive and attitude.

In this arrangement the exploration of register and alternative harmonies, together with the sustain pedal, creates an image of sound reverberation in open spaces. The piano's open fifths in the middle of the piece gives an eastern feel. Rebecca Faith has added a new original theme alongside the main melody that gives a fresh unique quality - this theme immediately sets the atmosphere in the piano introduction and is later heard more powerfully on the flute, returning at the close of the piece in the high register of the piano creating a music box like feel.

The alternative harmonies in this arrangement by Rebecca Faith make it a highly emotive interpretation. The piano takes control of the main melody, with the flute adding beautiful harmony and decorative features. The phrases O Come All Ye Faithful and Joyful and Triumphant are explored in shifting keys and harmonies adding a unique richness. However, the melody is still strongly present leaving the listener satisfied that they have heard the much loved tune.

This beautiful melody arranged by Rebecca Faith is refreshed with nonchalant jazzy harmonies. The main melody is heard but then takes a different turn with a short interlude in an improvisatory style. The main melody is heard in three different keys descending each time, however the opposite effect occurs as the rich sound of the key change lifts the ambience of the music.