Running Set, The

From Wind Repertory Project
Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams (trans. Silvester)


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General Info

Year: 1933
Duration: c. 5:50
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Running Set (1933) was originally for reduced, though not chamber-sized, orchestra. The title of the work pertains to a dance that had disappeared from England by the time the composer wrote this work. However, it could still be seen in certain parts of the United States in the first half of the twentieth century. Vaughan Williams uses the themes from four folk dance tunes in The Running Set: Barrack Hill, The Blackthorn Stick, Irish Reel, and Cock o' the North. While these titles may sound quaint to us today, they were well-known items to Vaughan Williams, who had collected over 800 folk songs, arranging many for both vocal and instrumental combinations.

The Running Set begins with a lively, jovial tune Barrack Hill, clothed in colorful orchestration, featuring the percussion section, especially the snare drum. The other aforementioned folk tunes follow in quick succession, all lively and each having somewhat Irish flavors. The music effervesces from first note to last and features driving, energetic rhythms throughout. Vaughan Williams wrote the work for the 1934 National Folk Dance Festival held in London. This version for winds was created by William H. Silvester.

- Program Note from University of North Texas University Band concert program, 9 November 2016


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Nebraska (Lincoln) Wind Ensemble (Carolyn Barber, conductor) - 1 November 2023
  • University of North Texas (Denton) University Band (Jacqueline Townsend, conductor) - 9 November 2016
  • Austin (Tx.) Symphonic Band (Richard Floyd, conductor) – 22 December 2007 (2007 Midwest Clinic)


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

None discovered thus far.