Five Traditional Folksongs

Description

These Five Traditional Songs for Wind Quartet are the result of a conversation I had with a friend who was bemoaning the fact that, whereas there is a plethora of music arranged for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon), there is precious little for wind quartet (minus the horn). Sensing a niche, I set about producing these five arrangements.

‘Just As The Tide Was A’Flowin’ is a simple arrangement which should be performed accordingly. Make sure the melody is always prominent whichever instrument takes it.

‘The Salley Gardens’ is of Irish origin with words by W.B. Yeats. I have tried to create a rather dream-like atmosphere; the quaver passages should flow smoothly with the phrasing well observed.

‘The Wraggle-Taggle Gypsies’ should rollick along with good contrast between the slurred and staccato notes.

‘The Water Is Wide’, although of Scottish origin, was included in Cecil Sharpe’s ‘Folk Songs from Somerset’. It’s in a contemplative style; again, make sure the melody line is never over-powered by the other instruments.

‘Drunken Sailor’ should be played with great humour, preferably after a few tots of rum!