Traveler Benighted in Snow / The Bonfire
I have a very special Christmas treat for you this week. Our featured artist, is none other than our very own Stephanie Claussen playing the medley “Traveler Benighted in Snow & The Bonfire”. The Scottish translations of those two titles are “Siubhal an t’sneachd tra oiche'” and “Tein aighair air gach beann dhiubh”. To hear more songs like this, she has produced a Christmas album “Light So Brilliant”.
Purchase This AlbumFor Stephanie’s arrangement of these two pieces, plus more beautiful songs like this, purchase her music book. Both the book and album would make terrific Christmas presents for the music-lover in your life.
Purchase This Music BookI specifically chose this song because both of these tunes are featured in one of my favorite public domain music books (#10 & #64), so you can find sheet music for it!
Stephanie perfectly captures a fresh interpretation of a traditional tune, and breathes life into them by applying her own narrative. In a way, that is the intent of music, to transport the listener to another time and place.
In my mind, in the first piece, you can almost hear the Traveler carefully picking their way along, tripping over the snow, represented by the slower pace and tricky grace notes. Then in the Bonfire, the large melodic intervals jump high and low, almost like a flickering fire, having finally made their destination–at a warm cozy fire.
For your convenience, I’ve supplied the free sheet music below, but for Stephanie’s arrangement, buy her music book.
Click the image to see the full size.
Click the image to see the full size.
Merry Christmas, everyone! May your travels be safe, and you find yourself surrounded by good company and a cozy fire.