Percy Grainger Portrait, A

From Wind Repertory Project
Percy Aldridge Grainger

Percy Aldridge Grainger (arr. Wagner)


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General Info

Year: 2010
Duration: c. 4:30
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Publishing Co.
Cost: Score and Parts - $65.00  |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
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
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Mallet Percussion
Percussion I-II

(Percussion detail desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The boundless energy and passion for life of Australian-born composer and pianist Percy Aldridge Grainger (1882-1961) is reflected in the four works included in this eclectic sampling of his music. Irish Tune from County Derry is no doubt the most beloved folksong of all time. Grainger turned this simple tune into an emotional concert work, full of rich harmonies and powerful sonorities. In Grainger’s own words: “The rhythmic cast of Mock Morris somewhat resembles traditional English Morris dance tunes, though no actual traditional tunes are made use of. The piece was prompted by the motto, "Always merry and bright.” Written in 1912, My Robin Is to the Greenwood Gone is based on the folksong of the same name, taken from William Chappell’s 1893 collectionOld English Popular Music. Grainger calls his setting a “free ramble,” where the only direct connection to the original tune is the first nine stated notes, corresponding to the first line of the text.

The closing section of the medley draws upon the initial 1918 solo piano version of Children’s March: Over the Hills and Far Away. Grainger later developed these themes into a major 400+ measure concert work in scorings for military band (1919) and two pianos/four hands (1920).

- Program note from New Trier High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble concert program, 20 December 2012


Commercial Discography


Media

Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Grainger, P.; Wagner, D. (2010). A Percy Grainger Portrait [score]. Belwin-Mills: [Miami, Fla.].