Pastoral

Description

A Lark’s Song in the Clear Air was inspired by the traditional English folk song as set by Vaughan Williams, Percy Grainger and company. The title 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