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Beachcomber
Clive Richardson (arr. Norman Richardson)
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General Info
Year: 1951
Duration: c. 2:45
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
Cost: Score and Parts – Out of print.
For availability information, see Discussion tab, above.
Instrumentation
Condensed Score
D-flat Piccolo
Flute I-II-III
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet Solo-I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Bass Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II
B-flat Trumpet
E-flat Horn or Alto I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani
Percussion
(percussion detail desired)
Accordion
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
All of us love to walk along the beach: whether it is during our summer holidays in the Costa Brava or Clacton it is a lovely relaxing way of passing the day. A ‘beachcomber’ was traditionally regarded as someone who lived in the South Sea Isles and made their living by pearl fishery and sometimes by less reputable means. However, in later years the word has come to mean anyone looking for something of value at the tide's edge. Perhaps the most famous fictional example is Ben Knox, played by Fulton Mackay in the film Local Hero (1983). Nevertheless, there was a lot of ‘beachcombing’ going on in Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and R.M. Ballantyne’s The Coral Island. The present tune suggests something a little less industrial.
Beachcomber opens almost quietly but comically with a catchy bassoon melody -- soon this is joined by other woodwinds. After this material has played out the middle ‘eight’ is given on strings with light percussion. It is a lot more romantic. The brass section adds their commentary on the proceedings. And then there is even a Spanish moment complete with castanets. However, the bassoon melody always seems to be in the background. The work ends as quietly as it begins.
Ernest Tomlinson has described this work as presenting the image of ‘walking idly along the sea-coast, inspecting the miscellaneous debris brought in by the tides...’ Perhaps it is as he suggests the retired socialite or businessman who has opted for a quiet life by the seaside? Or maybe it is just two lovers passing the time of day? Whatever the background, this is a relaxing piece of music that does not ask too much of the listener.
- Program Note by John France for orchestral version
Commercial Discography
- Audio CD: Dallas Wind Symphony (Frederick Fennell, conductor) - 1995
- Audio CD: Henry Middle School Honors Band (Rachel Lynn, conductor) - 2010
Media
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Henry Middle School (Cedar Park, Tx.) Honors Band (Rachel Lynn, conductor) – 17 December 2010 (2010 Midwest Clinic)
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Barracuda March (arr. Lowry)
- Beachcomber (arr. N. Richardson) (1951)
- Camptown Races (arr. Dawson) (1953)
- Getting Together (arr. N. Richardson) (1953)
Resources
- France, John. "Clive Richardson: Beachcomber." British Classical Music: The Land of Lost Content, 31 August 2002. Web. Accessed 27 June 2021
- Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "Clive Richardson." Accessed 27 June 2021