Hornpipe Humoresque

Description

Piccolo, Flute 1, Flute 2, Flute 3, Flute 4, Flute 5, Flute 6 — In the U.S., this hornpipe is most commonly known as the opening theme to classic Popeye cartoons. Across the pond, it is more closely associated with the British Navy. On Last Night at the Proms, the hornpipe begins in stately fashion, gaining speed with each repetition, while the audience tries to keep up on flutes, pipes, and party horns that they've brought for the occasion. The hornpipe has brought us joy for centuries, and Thorne has artfully transcribed it for two different groupings of flutes. One part after another has a turn with the melodic line, which is then layered over multiple instruments. But then Thorne tosses Rule, Brittania into the mix for a stirring effect.