Paul Lewis – La Fille aux Cheveux Dorés (Flute & Piano) – Digital Download

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 delightful recital piece by English composer Martin Yates, whose eclectic style is fast earning him popularity. For studios, colleges, conservatories and professionals.

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.

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.