Blacksmith Variations

James Mahaffey

General Info

Year: 2005
Duration: c. 4:00
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Keiser Southern Music, through Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $120.00 | Score Only (print) - $95.00

Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

Bass Drum
Bells
Chimes
Snare Drum
Suspended Cymbal
Xylophone

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

This clever piece by Jim Mahaffey draws inspiration from two famous pieces of music: Air and Variations (nicknamed "The Harmonious Blacksmith") by George Frideric Handel and The Immovable Do by Percy Aldridge Grainger. Mahaffey's contemporary orchestration techniques and the contrasting styles of Handel and Grainger result in a unique score that highlights the sonority of the band with its beautiful colors and soloists.

- Program Note from publisher

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown
Audio CD: VanderCook College of Music Symphonic Band (Charles Menghini, conductor) - 2007 Midwest Clinic

State Ratings

Louisiana: III
Texas: III. Complete

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

VanderCook College of Music (Chicago, Ill.) Symphonic Band (Charles T. Menghini, conductor) – 21 December 2007 (2007 Midwest Clinic)

Works for Winds by This Composer

Blacksmith Variations (2005)
Covington Legacy (2005)
Fantasy on a Scottish Folk Song (1993)
Fingal's Cave (as transcriber) (1832/2013)
Letters from Liadov, Op. 58 (as transcriber) (1906/2007)
New Horizons Overture (2007)
Of Castles and Dreams (1999)
Raiderland Overture (1991)
Reflections on a Theme by Mozart (1998)
Robert Burns Suite (1997)
Rollercoaster! (2006)
Sleep Gently, My Child (as arranger) (1892/2001)
Two Solo Moods (2008)
Variants on a German Hymn Tune

Resources

Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "James E. Mahaffey." Accessed 11 June 2021