O Tannenbaum (Maryland, My Maryland)

O Tannenbaum (“Maryland, My Maryland”) has been arranged by Edgar Herzog for woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn in F / clarinet, bassoon / bass clarinet). After initially introducing the theme in a mere “cloud of sound,” the piece, then, starts off in a Cajun / New Orleans groove. All of the voices of the woodwind quintet have their solo spots. More and more independent voices join in falling into the groove, and thus, intensifying the tune. Shortly after the climax—Is it the turkey or the presents?—the festivities are concluded in a short and classical manner. But, wait! It is a little musical joke that finally rounds the evening off.