About The Song
“The First Snowfall / Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” by The Carpenters is a beautiful medley that perfectly captures the magical spirit of the holiday season. Featured on their 1978 album “Christmas Portrait,” this track combines two beloved winter classics into one seamless, warm and inviting musical experience. The Carpenters’ unique ability to blend lush orchestration with tender vocals makes this rendition of “The First Snowfall” and “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” an enduring holiday favorite.
The song opens with “The First Snowfall,” a charming and nostalgic piece that evokes the feeling of the season’s first snowfall. The arrangement, led by Richard Carpenter, is both delicate and warm, with soft strings and gentle piano providing the perfect backdrop to Karen’s voice, which is as gentle as freshly fallen snow. The melody is light and peaceful, capturing the quiet beauty of the first snow of the year—a time when everything feels serene and magical. Karen’s voice adds a sense of nostalgia and innocence to the lyrics, as if she’s reflecting on the simple, quiet moments of winter, making the listener feel wrapped in a cozy embrace. Her phrasing is soft and careful, allowing each word to linger, creating a sense of calm and beauty that mirrors the peacefulness of the winter scene.
As the song transitions into “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” the mood shifts into something more upbeat and festive. The lively big band arrangement adds energy to the track, with brass, strings, and rhythmic percussion driving the song forward. The bright, cheerful feel of “Let It Snow” reflects the joy and excitement that comes with the winter season—despite the cold, there’s a sense of celebration and warmth in the air. The transition between the two songs is seamless, with the festive energy of “Let It Snow” offering a perfect counterpoint to the quiet beauty of the opening number. This part of the medley brings the Carpenters’ signature sound to the forefront: rich, layered harmonies, joyful brass, and uplifting piano work together to create a sense of holiday magic.
Karen’s vocal performance on “Let It Snow” is filled with joyful exuberance. She delivers the lyrics with a sense of playfulness and enthusiasm, perfectly matching the energy of the arrangement. Her ability to transition from the calm, reflective nature of “The First Snowfall” to the lively and upbeat tone of “Let It Snow” showcases her remarkable vocal range and emotional versatility. The warmth of her voice adds to the festive spirit of the song, making it feel like the perfect soundtrack for a holiday celebration.
The orchestration and arrangement of the medley are also key to its success. Richard Carpenter’s careful blending of the two songs, coupled with his use of strings, brass, and woodwinds, creates a lush and full sound that perfectly matches the seasonal themes of the tracks. The use of bells and light percussion in “The First Snowfall” enhances the feeling of winter wonder while the energetic horns in “Let It Snow” bring an added level of festivity. This seamless combination of classic Christmas tunes showcases the Carpenters’ ability to infuse traditional songs with their own special warmth and elegance.
The medley of “The First Snowfall” / “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” remains one of The Carpenters’ most enduring holiday tracks. With its gorgeous arrangements, tender vocals, and seamless blending of two contrasting but complementary songs, it captures the full spectrum of the winter season—from the quiet beauty of the first snow to the exuberance and cheer of the holiday season. It’s a perfect example of why the Carpenters’ Christmas music continues to be so beloved by generations of listeners: it combines timeless melodies, emotion, and the kind of warmth that makes their music feel like a constant companion during the holidays.