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“Falling Snow” most strongly matches a Grade 2 string-orchestra composition by Christopher Alan Schmitz, published by Alfred Music. The title is ambiguous, however: it is also used for a children’s song by Lois Lunt Metz, and Caryl Phillips’s novel is titled In the Falling Snow. If you mean the Schmitz composition, its publisher describes a roughly three-minute piece built around lyrical string melodies, pizzicato and arco contrasts, and a returning theme featuring a canon.
Which work is called Falling Snow?
The title by itself does not identify one definitive work. The best-supported match here is Schmitz’s string-orchestra piece listed by Alfred Music. Two distinct works share a similar title:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Children’s Songbook includes a song called Falling Snow, with words and music credited to Lois Lunt Metz and a 1956 IRI copyright notation.
- In the Falling Snow is a novel by Caryl Phillips. Penguin Random House lists a paperback published November 2, 2010, and an ebook published September 1, 2009.
The information below concerns Schmitz’s composition, not the song or the novel.
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What does Schmitz’s composition sound like?
Alfred describes lyrical melodies moving between high and low strings, with light pizzicato (plucked strings) set against fuller arco (bowed) passages. The publisher says the middle section changes harmonic direction, then the main theme returns with a canon. Alfred lists the duration as approximately three minutes. These are publisher descriptions rather than independent listening observations.
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- Used Book in Good Condition
What ensemble and parts does the edition include?
Alfred classifies the composition as Grade 2 and lists it for string orchestra. The listed parts are:
- First, second, and third violin (with viola in treble clef)
- Viola, cello, and string bass
- First and second percussion
- Piano accompaniment
- Conductor score
The publisher also lists a FLEX arrangement that transposes every part into the other parts, allowing the material to be used by like or mixed string ensembles. Alfred lists a printed score-and-parts set, a digital version, and separate downloadable PDF parts. Check the edition listing to confirm that the available parts and format match your ensemble’s needs.
Rank #2
- A Collection Of Eleven Christmas Arrangements
- Arranged For Viola
- Each Song Can Be Played By Entire Group Or By Individual Soloist
- Each Song Correlates With A Specific Level In The Essential Elements Method Books
- 24 Pages
Is it a suitable choice for a student orchestra?
Grade 2 is the publisher’s classification, not a guarantee that every group at that level will find the piece equally manageable. Before selecting it, a conductor or educator can check the listed forces against the players available, then consider whether the FLEX transpositions suit the ensemble’s actual instrumentation. The advertised contrast between pizzicato and arco, as well as the returning canon, may also help determine whether the piece fits a program’s musical aims.
Where can you find the score?
Alfred lists Falling Snow: Flexible String Ensemble Score & Parts by Christopher Alan Schmitz as item 00-51745, ISBN 978-1-4706-7385-7. J.W. Pepper also lists Schmitz’s work as a string-orchestra score and parts under supplier ID 00-51745 and UPC 038081596051; see its retailer listing. These listings establish that score materials are offered by the publisher and a sheet-music retailer, but they do not establish Amazon availability.
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Best Value
- Violin
- Pages: 36
- Level: 1-2
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Instrumentation: Strings
Rank #4
- P/V/G
- Pages: 160
- Instrumentation: Piano/Vocal/Guitar
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