Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Pianist Corner Members Recordings - Pianist Corner "Suzy Snowflake" (1951) and "Snowfall" (1941, 2001 arr.)

Yes, well, here is my rendition of "Suzy Snowflake," written by Sid Tepper and Roy Bennet in 1951, played on a period instrument, (*ahem*) a 1940 Lester spinet.

Suzy Snowflake

Or, you can watch the animated short.



Also, here is the 2001 Phillip Keveren arrangement of the 1941 "Snowfall" by Ruth and Claude Thornhill, played in 2012 on a period instrument, (*ahem*) a 1940 Lester spinet.

Snowfall

I have been having far too much fun at the piano this week!

--Andy

Andy, these are really two very nice additions to the burgeoning storehouse of Christmas arrangements. "Suzy Snowflake" was especially nostalgic -- haven't heard that one since I was a kid, but now that you posted it, I remember it vividly at Christmastime from the early to mid '50's. I've never heard "Snowfall" before, but Keveren provided a beautiful arrangement. Thanks for sharing this!

The arrangement of Suzy Snowflake I played can be found in the Hal Leonard publication, "Santa's Greatest Hits," and says that the arrangement is copyright 1951 by Chappell & Co. Here is a little something about Suzy Snowflake from Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzy_Snowflake

The "Snowfall" tune was new to me, too! I had no idea if I was playing that one "right," or not, but I fell in love with Keveren's arrangement. Here's what I found on YouTube this morning!:



Thanks for your comments, Tim! Glad I could send you back for moment!

--Andy

Went with my daughter yesterday, a cold, gray, midwestern winter afternoon, to "The Fabulous Fox" theater in St. Lou to see the musical Wicked. (Her Christmas present. Phenomenal production. Not the point of this story...)

We arrived a little early, before they opened the "house," and in the huge lobby area, heard happy, seasonal theater organ music surrounding us like a warm blanket. While I was taking in all of the ornateness of the room, I spotted the old guy at the organ, on the third level. I pointed him out to my daughter. We started to hear some tinkly chimes, and then, she was the first to catch it-- "Dad!," she said, "He's playing Suzy Snowflake!" And he was!

The organ in the lobby is a Wurlitzer theater organ that was built sometime in the late 1920s for a theater in East St. Louis, and moved and refurbished when the Fox was renovated in the 80s. There is a little sitting area on the third level (2nd mezzanine?) where the organ is situated, so you can watch the guy play. I didn't take very good notes from the stanchion by the organ, (the organist's name was "Jim... something" (sorry!)) but the organ is a two manual deal with 11 ranks, plus a variety of sound effects, like kettle drums! Jim played quite a rendition of "Eye of the Tiger," too!

But mainly...

"Suzy Snowflake" lives!

Andy, I watched at least part of the videos and found them very inferior to the renditions you played on the ML. I am continually amazed at the charm and depth of your performances, especially of pieces such as these. I don't always comment on your recordings, but I always listen to them! Thanks for posting!

How *did* I know that if the title was Suzy Snowflake the pianist was Cinnamonbear? This was a real treat, just delightfully played. You have such a great touch for this - playful, with great phrasing. I love listening to your renditions because it informs the way I attempt to play pieces from the same era. Thanks so much for posting this.

Cathy

Chris,
Thank you so much for your kind words! You are always in my imaginary audience when I go to record.

Cathy,
There's more where that came from! (Does "Baby Face" count?) Looking forward to your "G.I. Jive" whenever/wherever it appears!

Happy New Year!
--Andy