Handel – Joy To The World (Flute & Piano) – Digital Download

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. All of Rebecca's Christmas Carol arrangements are fresh, exciting and uniquely crafted, and are very much for the concert platform rather than a sing-along or play-along at home with Dad playing the piano part. These beautiful arrangements require work on the part of both flautist and pianist, as with a demanding accompaniment they are very much a duo. The majority are for the advanced flautist, minimum grade 6-7 standard, as there are some complicated rhythms, flutter tonguing and technically challenging jazzy-style passages. Highly recommended and well received by audiences there is nothing else available like them, and so these challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable arrangements fill a gap in the market and are an effective and welcome addition to the repertoire, providing some festive music with a rather different flavour, away from the usual standard melody with accompaniment. The collection of 10 Christmas Carols was written for the flute and piano duo Tranquillo, who recorded them as their debut album Tranquillo Christmas in 2010, a CD that has attracted some excellent reviews and can be purchased for £10 (plus P&P) from www.tranquilloduo.com

Review: "Joy to the World is a great opener for any Christmas concert and this lively, sparkling arrangement has always been well received by audiences. With technical challenges in both  the flute and piano parts this arrangement will show off the players skill and is an exciting, virtuosic piece for the advanced flute and piano duo." – Sarah Waycott & Hannah Mitchell of Tranquillo Duo, November 2012

Review: "This begins with the basic tune in the lower flute register, before varying it by taking it up the octave, then using imitation between the flute and piano parts, a number of modulations, and the flute taking over with an obbligato part accompanying the tune in the piano part. The original tune deviates somewhat and the inclusion of some complex rhythms and harmonies give it an interesting flavour, however at times the flute is quite low and may struggle to be heard when the piano has a rich chordal section in octaves. The piece would suit a concert platform, fitting into a December flute and piano recital, providing a festive flavour, however it would require some getting together with the pianist as the piano part is by no means easy." – Dr. Rachel Smith DMA, MA, BMus (Hons), FTCL – November 2012

Review: "Don't you just love Christmas music? It is always wonderful to hear and play, I don't think we ever get sick of it, but sometimes it is good to have new arrangements and this is what we've got here. If you are Grade 5 standard and above, I'm sure you will enjoy exploring these excellent arrangements by Rebecca Faith. Each title is a separate edition, very well presented. The arrangements are varied in style and the piano parts not too difficult. If you have a performance coming up this Christmas, one of these will go down extremely well with the audience. They aren't just the tune with the piano accompaniment, but skilful arrangements with imaginative harmonies and key changes. Highly recommended." – Liz Goodwin on www.flutewise.com October 2013

Biography

Faith, Rebecca

Rebecca Faith was born in Aberdare, South Wales. She was brought up surrounded by music and was taught to play the piano from the age of two. Rebecca went on to study music at Cardiff University, graduating in 2007 with a BMus degree and obtaining a Masters degree in Music Composition the following year.Rebecca is now a freelance composer. Her passion is to write music that crosses the boundaries between genres and appeals to classical and non classical music lovers alike. In 2010 Rebecca was commissioned by the piano and flute duo Tranquillo to compose and arrange their debut album. The music attracted reviews from the British Flute Society and The Musicians Union. In 2012 Rebecca's music was performed at St David's Hall Cardiff as part of the Welsh BBC proms and also at the London Trafalgar Square St Martin in the Fields concert series. Rebecca also gives piano tuition and teaches music theory at Hebron Piano School. Being keen to combine both her teaching and composition skills she writes new contemporary educational piano music. She was commissioned by Alfred Music Publishing to arrange a collection of 60 national anthems in celebration of the London 2012 Olympics.