Three in White: A Suite of Songs about Snow

Conductor Notes:

Winter Wonderland by Felix Bernard and Richard Smith; Let it Snow by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne; White Christmas by Irving Berlin.

SSAA with flute, piano, and percussion (including marimba). We have also performed it with piano, violin, and cello using parts modified by Stephen Smith. Here’s a medley charmingly arranged by Smith for Elektra that has a 40s feel and many lighthearted touches. We’ve performed and recorded it in its original version.

There is also an SATB version of this piece, which uses the same instrumental parts.

Winter Wonderland

Over the ground lies a mantle of white,
A heaven of diamonds shines down through the night.
Two hearts are thrillin’ in spite of the chill in the weather.
Love knows no season, love knows no clime,
Romance can blossom any old time.
Here in the open we’re walkin’ and hopin’ together.

Sleigh bells ring, are you list’nin’?
In the lane, snow is glist’nin’.
A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight
Walkin’ in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird.
He sings a love song as we go along,
Walkin’ in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow, we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he is Parson Brown.
He’ll say, “Are you married?” We’ll say, “No, man
But you can do the job when you’re in town.”

Later on, we’ll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid the plans that we’ve made
Walkin’ in a winter wonderland.

Let It Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Oh it doesn’t show signs of stopping,
And I’ve brought some corn for popping.
The lights are turned way down low
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally kiss goodnight
How I hate going out in the storm.
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I’ll be warm.

Oh the fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we’re still goodbying
But as long as you love me so,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas’ be white.