After having lived here in Jacksonville for a spell (1884-1886), English composer Frederick Delius moved to Paris. There, he wrote a piano piece called Sleigh Ride, which he played at Christmastime 1887 for his new friend, the well-known Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. He then orchestrated it—but seems never to have had it performed. The orchestral version was rediscovered and given a performance by Sir Thomas Beecham some twelve years after Delius’s death. It was an immediate hit! Jingle-bells set the mood, helping us Floridians imagine what it would be like to ride ion a horse-drawn sleigh over a crunchy, snow-covered road on a cold, moonlit night. The piccolo plays a jaunty tune, which the other instruments pick up. After a period of quiet reflection, the pulsing bells and sprightly tune return, then fade away, giving the impression of the sleigh and its passengers continuing on their way on a winter’s evening.

Program Notes

Lucinda Mosher, Th. D.

Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville A Winter's Eve Concert at Terry Concert Hall, Jacksonville University