"Christmas In The Country"
Christmas Guitar CD from Larry Theiss
Variety in life is important to me. And I like to have variety in the music I play. "Christmas in the Country" is the second of my three Christmas guitar CDs. My challenge was to create different styles and techniques for this second CD so it would not simply be "more of the same." I believe I succeeded in making it different than "Christmas Presence," my first holiday guitar CD. Creatively, I think this is the best of the three, even though the other two out-sell this one. "Christmas in the Country" expands on my previous recording. More emotion. More intricate arrangements. Not as much popular appeal, but from an artist's standpoint, more satisfying. I think you'll like it very much, and appreciate the variety of styles. - "Good King Wenceslaus." A conservative beginning as the song takes off, but rapidly evolving into an ear-pleasing, treble adventure.
- "I Wonder As I Wander." An earily, haunting introduction grabs your attention. Then enjoy the dynamic progression through a powerful climax, finally descending to a beautiful pianissimo close. The symphony strings are magnificent.
- "Merry Christmas, Darling." What a love song! What an inspiration! If you're not in love, you'll want to be after you hear this.
- "Here We Come A-Wassailing." One of my Christmas favorites. I guide it through a series of musical surprises. When creating a yuletide instrumental CD, songs of tradition & elegance are essential.
- "Away In a Manger." A touching melody that rides the waves of a hypnotic rhythm guitar. A lullaby to soothe your soul.
- "Joy to the World." One of the most important Christmas songs to all believers.
- "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." You might feel like you're riding a boat through the waterways of Venice. Could this be how they do Advent music in Italy?
- "I Saw Three Ships." A short Christmas melody that needed something to hold the listener's interest. So I added something.
- "What Child Is This." Christmas guitar, piano and cello combine for a pleasing arrangement of this classic.
- "Noel Nouvelet." A French Carol. I think I had more of a sense of accomplishment from this arrangement than any other song on the three Christmas guitar CDs. It was like putting together a very challenging puzzle.
- "O Tannenbaum." I can't do a Christmas guitar CD without including one of the many beautiful German melodies.
- "Deck the Hall." A joyous Christmas melody that awakens the spirit of the season.
- "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly." An unforgettable Polish melody and counterpoint blossoms, with orchestra, into a glorious ending.
- "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." A song that makes people happy to celebrate life, friends and Christmas.
- "Listen to the Wind." I wrote this Christmas song in the mid-90's. Enjoy the instrumental interplay of Christmas guitar, synthesizer, fretless bass and symphony strings.
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