Australian Sea Ballad, An

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon


General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: 2:30
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Cost: Band Set & Score - $42.00   |   Score Only - $6.00


Instrumentation

Score
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet I-II
Horn in F
Trombone (Baritone B.C., Bassoon)
Baritone T.C.
Tuba
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bells
  • Cymbal (suspended)
  • Triangle
  • Timpani


World Parts, including:

  • Eb Horn
  • Trombone in Bb T.C.
  • Trombone in Bb B.C.
  • Baritone in Bb B.C.
  • Tuba in Bb T.C.
  • Tuba in Bb B.C.
  • Tuba in Eb T.C.
  • Tuba in Eb B.C.


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Australian folk song "Catalpa" was first published in Three Street Ballads in 1957. The lyrics refer to the April 1876 escape of several Irish prisoners, with the assistance of some Americans, from a jail in Freemantle, Western Australia. It was suggested that the escape was made easy because tehre was plenty of American gold and some of it was placed in the hands of unscrupulous warders. It is rumored that the song became so popular in local pubs that it was banned, and time in jail was threatened for anyone caught singing it.

This beautiful setting allows for the utmost blend and sonority of a full band, with many opportunities for color and expressive playing. "An Australian Sea Ballad" will provide a wonderful contrasting moment in any concert program!

-Program Notes by composer


Catalpa lyrics:

A noble whale ship and commander
called the Catalpa, they say
sailed into Western Australia
took six poor Fenians away

Come all you screw warders and jailers
remember Perth regatta day
take care of the rest of your Fenians
or the Yankees will steal them away

- Lyrics from Lyric Attack


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