07B59F5B-685F-405D-ABC8-B92D8191164C

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ID07B59F5B-685F-405D-ABC8-B92D8191164C
TitlecodeR00347
Title NameChristmas with Mr. Grump
Marketing Copy(not set)
InstrumentationNarrator, Contrabassoon or Bassoon Solo: 1+Piccolo.1.1.0: 4.0.0.0: Percussion(3).Celesta.Harp: Strings   (12 minutes with optionalional cuts)
CommissionCommissioned by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony.
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesChristmas with Mr. Grump is for narrator and small orchestra (no brass except horns). Contrabassoon is featured as soloist, although bassoon and tuba have been used as acceptable substitutes. It is 16 minutes in length (but can be as short as 12 minutes with optional cuts). This piece has been very frequently performed, and does extremely well in Christmas Pops and seasonal young audience programs. --Peter Hamlin
Title Brand2
Year Composed1983
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration16
Ensemble Size13
Date Created2008-10-31 20:31:51.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:31:51
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text Author(not set)
Premier Performance Memo(not set)
Recording Credits(not set)
Review"Children will find the sounds of the orchestra both meaningful and delightful, especially Mr. Grump's portrayal by the contrabassoon. Likewise, the narrative, with its strong sense of sound, will mesmerize listeners." --Lucille Lettow, University of Northern Iowa Youth Collection Librarian.
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"The orchestra members found the music challenging, interesting, fun and a delight to perform. The piece held (my junior and senior high school orchestra students') attention throughout and gave them obvious satisfaction and entertainment." <BR>--Dennis Downs, orchestra member and Music Department Chair, Cedar Falls Community Schools.<BR><BR>


"...Engaging.... The musical narrative contains some good laughs, a moral of sorts, and some delightful sound effects in the orchestra." <BR>--George F. Day, Waterloo Courier<BR><BR>

"A lovely blend of music and narration. The production is lovely; the story is sweet and humorous and an appropriate length, especially for children." <BR>--Judge's comments from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting awards ceremony.<BR><BR>

"Christmas with Mr. Grump was truly a hit...the house was packed (even the standing room was taken) and [the] piece was enjoyed by all. ...The orchestra also had a wonderful time with the piece and enjoyed it thoroughly." <BR>--Kevin McKelvie, Alma (MI) Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor.
AwardsWinner of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting national award, 1984.
Title Category7
Title Movements(not set)
Title Grade(not set)
Set Series ID(not set)
Title Instrument Category TextFull Orchestra
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Title Sub Category47
Title Instrument Header41
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