History & Context

Annabel Thwaite
Annabel Thwaite

Lesson time: (0min 46sec)

Annabel looks briefly at the history of the piece, and highlights how the arrangement's focus on octaves is useful for learning further classical repertoire

Course preview

This lesson is part of the course Learn Christmas Classics on Piano
Watch a preview of the full course below.

Lesson transcript:

Good King Wenceslas

Overview
"Good King Wenceslas," or as some may pronounce it, "Good King Wenceselas," tells the story of a Bohemian king who embarked on a journey to give alms to the poor peasants on the feast of Stephen. This carol is often sung on the 26th of December, a day many consider to be the first day of Christmas.

Musical Characteristics
It's a great little jolly piece that includes:

  • The sound of the king's footsteps in the snow
  • Opportunities for developing octaves

This makes it not only a festive tune but also a valuable exercise for musicians.

About the instructor

Annabel Thwaite
Annabel Thwaite

Recognised as one of Britain's most versatile and charismatic pianists, Annabel Thwaite enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, educator and examiner, and has won all the major accompanying prizes, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier, Gold Medal, and Richard Tauber Piano Prizes. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Roberto Alagna, Bryn Terfel, David Kempster and "Only Men Aloud!" Annabel has recorded for Universal records with the "Scottish Tenor", whose album was nominated for a Classical Brit Award and is regularly played on Classic FM. Twice the accompanist for the Festival of Welsh Male choirs, her performances at the Royal Albert Hall were recorded by Sain and have been aired on S4C. She is also a film session pianist, having recorded at Abbey Road the music for the film "Awake", the BBC Jane Austen series "Emma", "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister" and, most recently, she has appeared on both Blue Peter and "The Rob Brydon Show". "...no doubt helped by the obviously brilliant piano accompaniments from Annabel Thwaite...highly enjoyable." In her MusicGurus courses - Learn Christmas Classics on Piano, Learn Classical Favourites on Piano, and Growing Chamber Groups and Small Ensembles - Annabel shares the musicianship behind that versatile career. You will learn how to bring well-loved Christmas and classical pieces to life at the piano, develop your touch and phrasing, and, drawing on her award-winning experience as an accompanist, discover how to listen, lead and play together when making music with other musicians in chamber groups and small ensembles. read more

What's included?

21 lessons (0h 41m)
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