Fairy Tale

Musical

Example

Fairy Tale Secret

Score

Fairy Tale Music/

Score

Filling Out The Sound

Adding Balance

To balance all the light, tinkly bells, we need to add some weight to the sound. Let's add the clarinets:

Notice how well the richness of the clarinets blends with the light bell sounds. The clarinets merely play the harmony already spelled out by the celesta:

By looking at the clarinet part, we find a clearer explanation as to why this harmony works so well. Notice in bars 1 and 2, the harmony descends in a steady chromatic movement. In bars 3 and 4 - while not exactly chromatic - the harmony ascends in a steady fashion. These movements contribute to our overall fairy tale feel.

Now let's balance the rich sound of the clarinets with a lighter color. We will add some delicate violins:

Notice how well the tremolo sound of the violins blends with the other instruments. The violins play a part identical to the clarinets, but one octave higher.

We add one final touch at the very end - the bell tree:

This extra magical twinkle provides a final reminder that we're in the land of make believe.