LIGHTS TWINKLE | Eric Schultheiss

“Lights Twinkle”: A Fresh, Polyrhythmic Celebration of Christmas

The twinkling lights of Christmas trees, the rhythmic chaos of holiday preparations, and the warmth of familiarity that settles in after the season’s initial rush—this is the essence of my latest composition, Lights Twinkle*. As a Christmas music piece crafted for voice, percussion ensemble, taiko drums, and harp, *Lights Twinkle offers a unique auditory experience that blends tradition with innovation.
At its core, Lights Twinkle is a story told through sound and haikus. These succinct and rhythmic poetic forms perfectly complement my polyrhythmic compositional approach. Their structured rhythm provides a steady foundation amidst the layered complexity of the music. Moreover, I found inspiration in exploring a Japanese-influenced take on Christmas traditions, pairing the poetic brevity of haikus with the resonant power of taiko drums.

A Unique Soundscape
The harp takes center stage alongside the percussion ensemble, creating a sonic tapestry that is both grounded and ethereal. I’ve always loved how the harp blends with percussion, particularly the marimba. The harp’s dreamy quality elevates the piece, while percussion keeps it rooted, primal, and rhythmic—a delicate interplay of textures. I often think of the harp as a "pretty percussion instrument," and in *Lights Twinkle*, it shines in that role.

One magical moment during the composition process was when I accidentally copy-pasted the taiko drum pulse onto the marimba track. What could have been a mistake became a serendipitous breakthrough: the marimba’s introduction brought a fresh yet comfortably memorable rhythm to the piece. Another unforgettable moment was adding a "Carol of the Bells" rhythmic motif to the finale, tying the music to timeless Christmas emotions. Every time I hear that section, it feels like reconnecting with a cherished memory.

Complex Yet Accessible
Polyrhythms naturally introduce complexity, but my goal was to make them inviting, not overwhelming. To achieve this, I kept the orchestration focused: no more than three rhythmic ideas sound simultaneously. Carefully placed accents reinforce the base pulse, anchoring the listener and tying the textures together. These choices ensure that Lights Twinkle feels intricate yet approachable, inviting repeated listens to fully appreciate its layers.

Imagery and Emotion
The haiku “Light’s twinkle, on evergreen” inspired the entire piece. It captures the pure joy of a Christmas tree, a universal symbol of the season. Through the music, I hope to evoke the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, the unpredictability of new traditions, and the eventual comfort and warmth they bring. By the third listen, I believe audiences will feel at home in this soundscape, appreciating its connection to the season’s rhythms and emotions.

A Seasonal Gift
Ultimately, Lights Twinkle is my gift to listeners—a fresh yet familiar experience of Christmas. I hope it becomes part of your holiday traditions, offering warmth, wonder, and a little rhythmic sparkle to the season.


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Snow falls gently down
Lights twinkle on evergreen
Silent night is here

Candles softly glow
Childrens laughter fills the air
Christmas warmth surrounds

Ornaments shine bright
Memories hung on each branch
Love wraps every gift

Bells ring in the cold
Voices sing of joy and peace
Christmas time is near

Snow falls gently down
Carols sung by fire light
Peace on earth tonight

Angels in the sky
Guideing light on Christmas
Hope reborn again

Songs of joy resound
Not for presents but for peace
A gift that endures

Beyond all the bows
A humble star lights the way
Guideing hearts to Joy

(lights twinkle
on evergreen
childrens laughter
fills the air
carols sung
by firelight
peace desends
on this night
candle glow
memories
gently hung
on each branch
by firelight
peace on earth
tonight
angel
snowfall )

Snow falls gently down
Lights twinkle on evergreen
Christmas night is here