Waltzing Matilda (arr. Navarre)

From Wind Repertory Project

Traditional, arranged by Randy Navarre


Subtitle: Dedicated to all the good people in OZ.


General Info

Year: 1903 / 1941
Duration: c. 3:25
Difficulty: III / I-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Symphony
Publisher: Northeastern Music Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (Grade I-1/2) - $60.00
Cost: Score and Parts (Grade III) - $85.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Orchestra Bells
  • Snare Drum


Errata

This arrangement shows the composers as Marie Conwan and A. B. Paterson. According to most sources, Paterson wrote the lyrics to a pre-existing melody, and Marie Cowan, not Conwan, was hired to alter the lyrics in 1903.


Program Notes

An unofficial national anthem of Australia, heard in movies, documentaries, and anytime there is a mention of the "land down under." It is a great song on its own, telling the story of the traveling migrant throughout the outback. This version can be performed alone or with the elementary version for an impressive combined band performance.

- Program Note from publisher


The title is Australian slang for traveling on foot (waltzing) with one's belongings in a swag or bedroll (called a matilda) slung over the shoulder. This well-known patriotic song from the land down under is known as the unofficial national anthem of Australia. The lyrics, written by the Australian poet Banjo Paterson, are included in the score. One tempo throughout, this bush ballad is not a traditional waltz. The work follows a familiar verse and chorus structure through four cycles plus a short introduction and coda.

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist


The Australian poet Banjo Paterson wrote the words to Waltzing Matilda in August 1895 while staying at Dagworth Station, a sheep and cattle station near Winton in Central West Queensland owned by the Macpherson family. The words were written to a tune played on a zither or autoharp by 31-year-old Christina Macpherson (1864–1936), one of the family members at the station. In 1903 Marie Cowan was hired by tea trader James Inglis to alter the song lyrics for use as an advertising jingle for Billy Tea, making it nationally famous. Cowan, who was married to Inglis's accountant, adapted the lyrics and set them to music in 1903.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources