Commissioned Works for Red Cedar Chamber Music  Overview
"A Holiday Suite"
  "Spillville Variations"

"A Holiday Suite"

This terrific trio performed my "Holiday Suite": 

Michael Kimber (viola), Jan Boland (flute),

and John Dowdall (guitar)

I was commissioned by Red Cedar Chamber Music to compose a holiday suite for flute, viola, and guitar for one of their holiday concert series.  See below for sound clips from this suite.

Hear Sound Clips of "A Holiday Suite"(Please note: These sound clips are being presented for demo purposes only, and all music on this website is copyright by Peter Bloesch, with all rights reserved.  Any unauthorized use or duplication of this music is prohibited.)

The original "Holiday Suite" consists of the following five carols, with each arrangement having its own distinctive personality:

1. "Wassail!"

This lively arrangement of the traditional "Gloucestershire Wassail" is written in the style of an Irish jig.

• Hear sound clip of entire carol

2. "In the Bleak Midwinter"

By scoring this carol in a somewhat minimalistic style for only flute and viola, I sought to create the feeling of time standing still, as one experiences the serenity and solitude of a stark winter landscape.  

• Hear sound clip of entire carol

3. "I Saw Three Ships"

Scored for flute and guitar, this arrangement has an air of grace and charm.  A few other carols in 6/8 time make brief appearances, as well!

• Hear sound clip of entire carol

4. "Away in a Manger" (Kirkpatrick version)

This carol is arranged as a gently flowing lullaby.  

• Hear sound clip of entire carol

5. "Ding Dong! Merrily on High"

Playful and full of mirth, this arrangement overflows with trills, flourishes, and other displays of holiday excitement.  I combined my "Baroque style" with my "Hollywood style" — with the goal of creating something fresh and appealing.  

• Hear sound clip of entire carol