Molly on the Shore (ed Clark and Schmidt)

From Wind Repertory Project
Percy Aldridge Grainger

Percy Aldridge Grainger (ed. Larry Clark and Schmidt)


General Info

Year: 1920 / 2002
Duration: c. 4:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: String Band
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts - $100.00   |   Score Only - $40.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute (div.)
Oboe (div.)
Bassoon (div.)
Contrabassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet Solo-I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet Solo-I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

One reason why things of mine like Molly on the Shore and Shepherd's Hey are good is because there is so little gaiety and fun in them. While other composers would have been jolly in setting such dance tunes, I have been sad or furious. My dance settings are energetic rather than gay.

In setting Molly on the Shore I strove to imbue the accompanying parts that made up the harmonic texture with a melodic character not too unlike that of the underlying reel tune. Melody seems to me to provide music with initiative, whereas rhythm appears to me to exert an enslaving influence. For that reason I have tried to avoid regular rhythmic domination in my music -- always excepting irregular rhythms, such as those of Gregorian chant, which seem to me to make for freedom. Equally with melody, I prize discordant harmony, because of the emotional and compassionate sway it exerts.

- Program Note by composer


Molly on the Shore receives frequent performances from high school and university ensembles, and it is certainly appropriate for a variety of concert programs. Although melodically straightforward, this brisk reel will provide several technical challenges, especially for younger players. For a successful performances, students must exhibit firm control over articulation and finger technique. Fast tonguing pervades the upper woodwind parts, and performers should approach the decorative triplet turns with care. Grainger's characteristically intricate tapestry of melodies and countermelodies is thoroughly enjoyed by audiences.

- Notes from Great Music for Wind Band


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class A
  • Arkansas: V
  • Florida: VI
  • Georgia: V
  • Kansas: V
  • Maryland: V
  • Massachusetts: V
  • Michigan: Senior High AA
  • Mississippi: VI-A
  • North Carolina: VI
  • Oklahoma: V-A
  • South Carolina: VI


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources