Global Christmas (You're going to LIKE this one!)

Kees Schoonenbeek was born in Arnhem, the Netherlands, on October 1st, 1947.

He studied the piano at the Conservatory in Arnhem and completed his studies in music theory and composition at the Conservatory of Brabant in Tilburg. Schoonenbeek taught at the latter institute from 1975 till 1977, where he also won the Composition award in 1978. Before he returned to Tilburg in 1980 he taught at the university of Amsterdam at the music faculty.

As a composer Schoonenbeek makes use of sound idioms which are accessible to a large audience. His compositions are very diverse and include, besides chamber music, works for choir, orchestra and wind ensembles. He became interested in wind music in 1980, the year in which he received a commission to compose for brass band, which resulted in his work "Symfonietta". Much more music for wind band followed. Kees Schoonenbeek's interests cover a wide range of music, with a preference for English composers such as Benjamin Britten and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

"Global Christmas" was composed in 2002. It is an immensely appealing "tour" through some very famous carols from different lands.

The carol selections are largely German and French, but there still is a very "national" feel about this.

Colors and textures vary greatly, and all of it passes seamlessly from one selection to the next. The big Marcussen seemed ideal for this.

The score and several photos of Kees Schoonenbeek are attached below.

You can find another work by Schoonenbeek here:

"Ave Maria (based on an 'Ave Maria' by Tomás Luis de Victoria)"

https://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/62799

I wish my listeners happiness and all blessings of the season!

Peace.