Howard Arman's arrangement of 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town' divides the song into three sections, with the first and third swinging with brass and percussion, and the second surprisingly in a baroque style.
Interpretation
Howard Arman, the conductor, arranged all the pieces on this album, aiming to 'wrap up' each Christmas song in an affectionate musical parody inspired by its own style.
Album & Artwork
The album is bookended by two original compositions by American composer Leroy Anderson: 'A Christmas Festival' opens the album, and 'Sleigh Ride' concludes it.
Historical Context
The Christmas tree tradition in private homes began in Germany in the 19th century and was introduced to the English royal court by Prince Consort Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
Composition History
Giacomo Puccini, a renowned Italian opera composer, wrote the lullaby 'Sogno d'or' in November 1912 for a Christmas-New Year issue of a Roman newspaper.
Interpretation
For this recording, Howard Arman created an orchestral arrangement of Puccini's 'Sogno d'or', marking its first performance with women's choir and orchestral accompaniment.
Historical Context
The album features carols from two continents and seven countries, reflecting the diverse Christmas customs around the world.
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