By Lantern's Light

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Xylophone, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Mark Tree, Triangle, Tambourine, Finger Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals — By Lantern’s Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his “Twelve Persian Folk Songs” published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild’s goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia’s music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band.xa0Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone. This medley of traditional folk songs songs uses Clair Fairchild’s Twelve Persian Folk Songs as its basis. Fairchild took care to preserve their original authenticity by limiting all western harmony and as a result, performers will be required to replicate the songlike phrasing of the lines, rhythmic integrity and the style of the accompaniment. Essential to performance of this composition is helping performers understand that many inflections exist beyond what is written on the page. Musical challenges abound in this well-crafted folk song based composition.

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