Christmas Eve in the Tyrol

This work, plus "Chanson des Alpes" by Candlyn, complete our travel for the day! :-)

Edith Lang (1885–1969) was a Boston composer who studied with George Chadwick at the New England Conservatory.

The first part of her career was largely that of a silent film and theater organist (including co-authoring a book on the subject of accompanying films).

"Christmas Eve in the Tyrol" was published in 1950 as the second movement of "A Festive Suite".

In this work, the composer paints the "audio picture" of carolers walking through the town and country singing the songs of Christmas.

The work begins with some passages for solo flute, followed by a duet for oboe and clarinet. This leads into the heart of the work which feature the carolers being hard in the distance, approaching, arriving, and then passing away again. It ends with the flute, and some phrases from "Silent night" just before the conclusion.

I couldn't "replicate" the absolute sounds that Lang calls for, but Salisbury handles most things quite well.

It's a "tedious little thing," as there's a LOT to be done to get the effect, and all of this while the procession keeps in step and in time. Hopefully, it sounds easy...

I received this work from our member, Carson Cooman, and so, this performance is dedicated to him.

THANK YOU, Carson!

A photo of Edith Lang at the organ in the Exeter Theater is attached, as is a photo of "the Tyrol."