Joan Streit

Live music makes all the difference.

Whatever special event you are planning — a wedding reception, birthday or anniversary party — my piano playing and singing will make the occasion even more unforgettable.

Posts Tagged: Christmas Songs

December 2, 2009

Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”

iStock_000004721880XSmall
In a previous post, I mentioned that for one New Jersey Christmas party I play the piano for the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah.” The guests sing it in four-part harmony, and the results are thrilling.

You can hear a discussion of why this piece of music is so brilliant at the NPR program Performance Today.

Composer-conductor Rob Kapilow analyzes the “Hallelujah Chorus” to explain why the “Hallelujah Chorus” works so well. Going over it note by note, Kapilow explains how the musical simplicity builds and builds to yield an extremely powerful whole.

At the end of the eight minute segment you can hear a wonderful performance by the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists, conducted by John Eliot Gardiner.

If you want to skip the discussion and go right to the music, click here.

Filed under: Performances — Tags: , — Joan Streit @ 7:00 am

November 11, 2009

I’m Dreaming of a Musical Christmas

christmas cactus

I love this season. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and right after that come holiday parties and celebrations. I entertain at some New Jersey parties that have long histories, often going back for decades.

December is a busy season, playing piano and singing at both private parties and corporate events. Many of them have annual traditions I always look forward to. One particular house party includes an elaborate sing-along with not only the usual classics, but also the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s “Messiah”, sung in four-part harmony. I actually spend a lot of time rehearsing this, because I want to match the high quality of the singers. And my piano playing is not the only musical entertainment; a bagpipes player is a special treat.

Another Christmas party has a charming custom of asking guests to bring small items symbolizing something they’ve done in the past year, and hanging them on the tree. For another party, close friends jointly host the event at their country club.

And then there are the great songs. In my opinion, Christmas songs are some of the best ever written. Among my personal favorites are “White Christmas”, “The Christmas Song” (“Chestnuts roasting…”), and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” originally sung by Judy Garland in the movie “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Finally there is “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow.”  Would you believe this song was written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne in 1945 on one of the hottest July days recorded in Hollywood?

At these parties and all others, the camaraderie, warmth, and joy are palpable. I leave each one feeling honored and privileged to have been a part of it.

However you celebrate your holiday, I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Holiday season.

Creative Commons License photo credit: anee.baba

Filed under: Performances — Tags: , , — Joan Streit @ 9:17 pm