On the Banks of the River Shannon

From Wind Repertory Project

Jason Nitsch

1 General Info
2 Instrumentation
3 Errata
4 Program Notes
5 Commercial Discography
6 Audio Links
7 State Ratings
8 Recent Performances
9 Additional Works for Winds by this Composer
10 Additional Resources

General Info

Year: 2004
Duration: c. 5:15
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: TRN Music Publishers
Cost: Score and Parts - $65.00 | Score - $10.00

Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
Bb Bass Clarinet
Alto Sax I-II
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Trumpet (in Bb) I-II-III
Horn in F
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:

Bass Drum
Chimes
Cymbals (crash and suspended)
Glockenspiel
Marimba (bass)
Ocean Drum
Rainstick
Snare Drum
Tambourine
Triangle
Vibraphone
Woodblock

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Mvmt I: Limerick, Ireland- Situated at the mouth of the river Shannon, Limerick stands as a dynamic educational, economic, social and recreational base serving the midwestern region and the surrounding areas. With breathtaking views of the river Shannon and Lough Gur, coupled with Limerick’s many historical landmarks: John’s Castle, the Treaty Stone and Glenstal Abbey, Limerick boasts a strong and varied past. The culture of Limerick is a fusion of many diverse influences and interests. It combines what has gone before and what is being created for the future.

Mvmt II: King John’s Castle- King John’s Castle remains a most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification, even after 780 years. This five-sided castle was erected in the early years of the 13th century, probably between 1200 and 1216, as a royal fortress on the River Shannon. It was uniquely built for its day, without a keep and with high curtain walls to withstand the awesome power of the new siege machines. Its massive gate towers and drum comer towers were state-of-the-art features for the beginning of the 13th century. During the 17th century sieges the castle suffered badly. In 1651, it was surrendered with the city to Cromwell’s army. Patches of brickwork show hasty repairs after the siege bombardments of the early 1690’s. Many alterations and repairs were carried out in the succeeding centuries. The domestic buildings of the courtyard do not survive, except for remnants of a 13th century hall and the site of what could be the castle chapel.

Mvmt III: The Festival- The Limerick International Band Festival takes place annually in Limerick City in Ireland during the St. Patrick’s Week festivities each March. This impressive and colorful music festival offers Marching Bands, Concert Bands, Drill & Dance Teams and Choirs from Ireland, Europe and around the world the opportunity to be part of an internationally recognized festival established over 32 years ago. Attracting large numbers of Bands from the USA, Britain, France, Holland, Italy, Russia, Japan and almost every county in Ireland, the festival provides entertainment for the 40,000 to 50,000 people who line the parade route and pack the concert hall. All categories of bands may compete, and the beat and rhythm of the music pervades the City. The Parade and Concerts are reviewed by the Mayor of Limerick, Government Ministers, and Civic Dignitaries.