A Lark’s Song in the Clear Air

Description

A Lark’s Song in the Clear Air by Leroy Osmon, was composed simultaneously for symphonic band and orchestra. The composition was inspired by the traditional English folk song as set by Vaughan Williams, Percy Grainger and company.

The band setting was composed for and dedicated to The Woodlands High School Wind Ensemble, Joni Perez, director. The composition is the second that The Woodlands has requested from composer Leroy Osmon for performance at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. [2003 Hebrew Rhapsody, Richard Crain guest conductor.]The 2012 conference marks the 20th consecutive year for composer Osmon to have a work performed at Midwest.

The orchestra setting was for maestro Alejandro Pinzon, conductor of the Morgantown Community Symphony Orchestra (West Virginia). Maestro Pinzon is a former student of Leroy Osmon in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

The title, A Lark’s Song in the Clear Air was suggested to the composer by his wife as a more lyrical option to the original working title.

The composition is modal (as are most English folk songs) and is well within the performance range of an advanced middle school ensemble, however, sophisticated enough for older more mature students or even a university or community band or orchestra. It is lyrical and flowing in style with a slightly complex harmonic language. The work features many of the sections as soloist. There are subtle harmonic differences in the two settings and the orchestra version is slightly augmented in length.

Published by: RBC Publications