Rundel Video: Noche Buena (Heilige Nacht) | Media center

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Spanish Christmas Fantasy
Spanische Weihnachtsfantasie

In his fantasy “Noche Buena”, as the Spaniards call Christmas Eve, Llano familiarizes us with Spanish Christmas customs and embeds three traditional songs in a varied Explora work. A fiery introduction in the style of a Paso doble, spiced with an accompaniment of clicking castanets, takes us directly to one of the sunniest countries in Europe. More than climate distinguishes the Spanish Christmas from the north: Rather than decorated fir trees, large cribs are very popular and everywhere you can see colorful fairy lights. Santa Claus also brings gifts, but the “Reyos Magos”, the three kings, are honored by large parades on January 5. Another tradition is “Las Posadas”, the title of the quiet song, which adjoins the introduction. Las Posadas are pre-Christmas celebrations that start nine days before nativity, depicting Mary and Joseph's search for a hostel en route to Bethlehem, as per the Augustinian tradition. This “Noche Buena” is centered around the Catalan Christmas carol “Fum, Fum, Fum” from the 16th/17th Century. Fum, essentially "smoke", suggests a mysterious mood, illustrated by a characteristic tom-tom rhythm with a flute hovering above it. Finally, the traditional Spanish Villancico “Ya Viene La Vieja” completes the fantasy in a dance-like 6/8 rhythm. A tender melody expresses the joy of the birth of Jesus as a long accelerando crescendo builds to a spirited conclusion.

1. Las Posadas
2. Fum, Fum, Fum
3. Ya Viene La Vieja

eXplora Grade 3
eXplora disc 20

Grade Level GB: 3-4
Grade Level USA: 2 (Easy)
Composer: Llano
Genre: Music for Christmas
Performance time: 3,30
Publisher: Rundel
Size: DIN A4
Info: Full Score + Parts
Rundel Order Number: MVSR7075
Release Date: 2019