American Ballad Variants

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, Timpani, Percussion 1, Percussion 2 — A fresh and spirited treatment of the traditional American ballad Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair, this fine piece for a developing band starts with a slow and atmospheric introduction featuring solos by flute and trumpet that hint at the tune. The main section sets the ballad to a driving Latin beat, but the slow reflective mood returns at the end with solos for clarinet, bass clarinet and flute.