Join us this Sunday at Kirkwood High School
Join us this Sunday at Kirkwood High School for our second regular season concert! Our selections include Percy
Grainger’s “Lincolnshire Posy”, a staple in wind ensemble literature.
The work, which is 6 movements long, features melodies that were collected and recorded from farmers, workers,
and longtime citizens of Lincolnshire, England.
1: Lisbon – also title “Dublin Bay” in some editions, is the shortest of the set. In 6/8 time, it introduces the lilting
theme in the brass before it is embellished and scored for full wind ensemble. Ending with almost a unison drone,
the softer dynamic sets the scene for the rest of the presented melodies.
2: Horkstow Grange – shifting between 4/4 and 5/4 time, this lush setting is considered one of the most perfectly
crafted orchestrations in the wind ensemble literature.
3: Rufford Park Poachers – easily one of the most difficult pieces to count for individual ensemble members, the
opening of this movement (in EITHER of the two versions that the publication offers) is performed by an unusual
quintet of players. The counterpoint is constantly shifting and does not settle easily on either the player or the
listener’s ears…but is miraculously quite powerful in its musical statement.
4: The Brisk Young Sailor – evokes the image of a strapping young lad who is off to wed his true love. A delightful
contrast to the 3rd movement, it still presents quite challenging passages in the woodwind section.
5: Lord Melbourne – Also entitled “The Duke of Marlborough”, this movement tests the extreme ranges of the
ensemble. At the premiere, this movement was not performed as the ensemble that Grainger had assembled was
unable to play it.
6: The Lost Lady Found – A quick, jumpy, straight 3/4 melody with usual accompaniment patterns. It is often
conducted “in 1” rather than “in 3”. This setting features a constantly repeating motif interrupted by one “bridge”
section. Almost every section of the band is featured with the melody in this fast-paced finale.
We would love to see you in the audience this Sunday as we perform this classic!