The Little Drummer Boy
Davis, Onorati, Simeone, arr. Adam Wayne · 2023 · Commissioned by Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra
- Forces
- 2 flute, 2 oboe, 2 clarinet in B♭, 1 bass clarinet, 2 bassoon, 4 horn, 3 trumpet in B♭, 2 trombone, 1 bass trombone, 1 tuba, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, harp, strings. An 'ostinato violin' part is included for rehearsal purposes where a snare drum is not available.
- Duration
- approx. 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Within reach of a good community orchestra
- Status
- Available
- Première
- Performed by BGSO with conductor Neavan Lobban, December 2023
- Materials
- Conductor's score on A3 (or Tabloid) · parts on A4 (or Letter) · playback render
Notes
This arrangement takes the familiar melody of "The Little Drummer Boy" and puts it through a grand symphonic filter: in the style of Maurice Ravel's 'Boléro'. Starting from a whisper with that unmistakable rhythmic ostinato, the piece slowly builds layer by layer, section by section, driving the whole orchestra into a massive, sweeping crescendo by the final chord. It’s dramatic, it’s theatrical, and it gives every section of the orchestra a chance to shine before the final, roaring peak.
If you want a holiday concert piece that trades the usual cheese for serious orchestral tension and a jaw-dropping payoff, this is the one.