Daughter of the Stars

From Wind Repertory Project
Warren Benson

Warren Benson


Subtitle: A Reminiscence on Shenandoah


General Info

Year: 1998
Duration: c. 12:50
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Meredith Music Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00   |   Score Only (print) - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II-III-IV
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Crotales
  • Chimes
  • Marimba
  • Suspended Cymbals (2)
  • Tam-Tam
  • Triangle (4)
  • Vibraphone


Errata

In Parts:

  • Flute, m.43: Second note is B (not A).
  • Flute III, m.24: Note should be C natural, not C-sharp.
  • Flute III-IV, m.21: Tie the F over the bar to m. 22.
  • Oboe, m.41: Slur 16th note across the bar line to the quarter note.
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone, m.21: G#
  • B-flat Baritone Saxophone, m. 54: Keep the A (not G).
  • B-flat Baritone Saxophone, m.94-96: F-sharp 3 times.
  • Trombones, m.17: Decrescendo through the entire measure.
  • Euphonium, m.37: Add dotted quarter rest to complete the measure
  • Tuba, m.37: Add dotted quarter rest to complete the measure
  • String bass, m.37: Add dotted quarter rest to complete the measure
  • String Bass, m.102: Last note of measure should be a half note.
  • Percussion II, m.19, b.4: Should be mp instead of mf.
  • Marimba, m.92: "Impassioned"


Program Notes

In his preface, the composer writes:

This one-movement work introduces the tune into a rather abstract setting before proceeding to other material found in the work. The letters of the word "Shenandoah" are matched to pitches. A seldom-used rhythm, the barcarole, rocks back and forth until the evenly repeated chords lay groundwork for a rather more surreal set of three-note chordal melodic fragments. The work hints at its beginning and ends quietly with respect for the history of the region, the tune ascending toward its place of rest as daughters of the stars are wont to do.

Daughter of the Stars, based on the folk tune Shenandoah, was commissioned by the Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind ensemble and conducted by Dr. Garwood Whaley for the opening of their new concert hall.

- Program Note from Teaching Music Through Performance in Band


Commercial Discography


Media

United States Marine Band, Colonel Timothy W. Foley, conductor


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Benson, W. (1998). Daughter of the Stars : A Reminiscence on Shenandoah [score]. Meredith Music Publications: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Miles, Richard B. 2000. Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. Volume 3. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 461-467.
  • Warren Benson website