Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Waltz - Difficult

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

There are several good reasons why Peggy Lee's version of The Christmas Waltz (recorded in 1960 for her Christmas Carousel album) has become a holiday classic. Not only are the inviting melody and nostalgic lyrics a perfect fit for Lee's husky alto, but Billy May's delightful arrangement only makes the atmosphere even more cozy and warm.

After an introduction that slyly inserts a quote of The First Noel, Lee enters with the melody at measure 5. While the strings and rhythm section perform a fairly straightforward accompaniment, the trio of flutes provides a much more complex performance, perhaps meant to evoke the view of a whirling snowstorm. The melody can be approached with a bit of rubato interpretation at times; these tempo shifts have been marked in the score and parts, but feel free to take further liberties if you are so inclined.

After a brief intro recap, the ensemble takes over at measure 49, with the strings playing a sweeping, lush rendition of the melody atop the continued fluttering of the flute trio, who proceed to take point a few measures later over a quasi-stop time feel in the rhythm section. Most of the final half of the arrangement mimics earlier parts, with the introduction being used as a conclusion, complete with another First Noel quote in the strings.

This publication was prepared from the set of parts used for the 1960 recording session - this is not a transcription. String bowings supplied by Las Vegas violinist Geri Thompson.

 

Full Score
Vocal
3 Flutes
2 Violins
Viola
Cello
Harp
Guitar
Piano
Acoustic Bass
Drum Set (with Triangle)

Vocal Key: B