Wassail

From Wind Repertory Project
Ralph Vaughan Williams

Ralph Vaughan Williams (setting Robert W Smith)


Subtitle: Movement I from the Vaughan Williams Suite


General Info

Year: 2006
Duration: c. 3:00
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $65.00   |   Score Only - $9.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto 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
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Commissioned by and dedicated to the Coyle Middle School Band, Rowlett, Texas, under the direction of Marcia Zoffuto.

In memory and tribute to Ralph Vaughan Williams.

- Program Note from score


Robert W. Smith, in tribute to the great composer, has crafted a setting for the concert band of Wassail Song in the style of Vaughan Williams. Beginning with a lively solo statement of the melody, the clarinet choir introduces the song in its original form. Using Vaughan Williams as the inspiration, the melody is explored and restated in multiple variations using the various timbral colors of the concert band. This publication marks the first movement of Smith's Vaughan Williams Suite.

- Program Note from publisher


The Wassail Song of Gloucestershire was one of the folk songs that Ralph Vaughan Williams sought to preserve through his writing. Wassail is a centuries-old English ceremonial drink made from apple cider. The word is Saxon in origin and translates to “good health” when used as a toast. Vaughan Williams kept the music as close to its purest original state as he could. This version was commissioned by the Coyle Middle School band and premiered in 2005.

- Program Note from Cypress Symphonic Band concert program, 10 December 2016


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Iowa State University (Ames) Wind Ensemble (Michael Golemo, conductor) – 2 December 2018
  • Tualatin (Ore.) Valley Community Band (Kevin Soon, conductor) – 2 December 2018
  • Repasz Band (Williamsport, Penn.) (Albert J. Nacinovich, conductor) – 5 December 2017
  • Cypress Symphonic Band (Houston, Tex.) (Clarence Weeks, conductor) – 10 December 2016
  • Pleasanton (Calif.) Community Concert Band (H. Robert Williams, conductor) - 30 November 2014
  • Triangle Wind Ensemble (Durham, N.C.) (Evan Feldman, conductor) - 15 December 2013


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

Categpry: Carols