Water Is Wide, The (arr. Krumenauer)
Arranged by Kevin Krumenauer
Subtitle: A Tribute to David Maslanka
General Info
Year: 2022
Duration: c. 2:40
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Folksong
Publisher: Maslanka Press
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown
Instrumentation
Full Score
Flute/Oboe
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon
Tuba
Percussion, including:
- Bass Drum
- Crash Cymbals
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
- Xylophone
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
This is a piece for early levels of band. When working on this piece I wanted to use the tools and techniques I was taught by David Maslanka to bring his approach to music to a new audience. The choice of tune is because it was a tune that David himself had used and had significance for him personally. The piece is constructed in a quasi tune and variation form, allowing for some exploration of the material. It is my hope that this music is engaging both for performer and listener alike.
- Program Note by Composer
The Water Is Wide (also called O Waly, Waly or simply Waly, Waly) is a folk song of Scottish origin, based on lyrics that partly date to the 1600s. It remains popular in the 21st century. Cecil Sharp published the song in Folk Songs from Somerset (1906). It is related to Child Ballad 204 (Roud number 87), Jamie Douglas, which in turn refers to the ostensibly unhappy first marriage of James Douglas, 2nd Marquis of Douglas to Lady Barbara Erskine.
The imagery of the lyrics describes the challenges of love: "Love is handsome, love is kind" during the novel honeymoon phase of any relationship. However, as time progresses, "love grows old, and waxes cold." Even true love, the lyrics say, can "fade away like morning dew."
- Program Note from Wikipedia
Media
None discovered thus far.
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Monmouth College Wind Ensemble (Justin Swearinger, conductor) - 21 October 2023
- Brooklyn (N.Y.) Wind Symphony (Jasmine Britt, conductor) - 19 December 2022 (2022 Midwest Clinic)
- ICSMA – 30 June 2022 *Premiere Performance*
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Blue on Red (2004)
- Fire in the Distance
- The Heart of God (2007)
- The Mountain, the River and the Sea (2020)
- Shadowlight (2018)
- Symphony for Winds and Percussion (2010)
- This Is My Body (2014)
- This Is Our Joyful Hour (2016)
- The Water Is Wide (2022)
Resources
- Kevin Krumenauer website Accessed 9 December 2022
- The Water Is Wide. Wikipedia Accessed 2 June 2020