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Blue Bells of Scotland (arr Higgins)

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Arthur Pryor

Arthur Pryor (arr. Higgins)


Subtitle: Trombone Solo with Band


General Info

Year: 1901 / 2015
Duration: c. 5:40
Difficulty: VI (solo) III (ensemble) (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: BandT Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $90.00   |   Score Only (print) - $26.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Snare Drum
  • Crash Cymbals


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

One of them most well-known of all Scottish folksongs. The song was arranged by Arthur Pryor for trombone with accompaniment. This version is usually called Blue Bells of Scotland. It is most commonly played with a piano or concert band, but has also been performed with orchestra and brass band. Although the exact date is disputed due to some naming questions, Arthur Pryor probably composed his solo setting around 1899.

- Program Note from score


There are a number of versions of The Blue Bells of Scotland. The words featured on an 1803 broadside refer to a young Scotsman going off to fight for king and country during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815). Early ballads were dramatic or humorous narrative songs derived from folk culture that predated printing. Originally perpetuated by word of mouth, many ballads survived because they were recorded on broadsides. Musical notation was rarely printed, as tunes were usually established favorites. The term ballad eventually came to mean any kind of topical or popular verse.

- Program Note from Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music


Pryor was widely regarded as one of the greatest trombone virtuosos, due to his impeccable technique and exquisite sound. He composed some 300 works, including enduring solos such as the Blue Bells of Scotland. Intended to showcase his impressive talents on a technically-limited instrument, many of Pryor’s solo compositions were written during a time when there were very few substantial solo pieces for the trombone.

- Program Note from U.S. Marine Band concert program, 2 February 2020


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

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