Clarinet Choir Full Concert - Schmitt Bloomington - December 13, 2023

Timestamps:
03:33 - O Come All Ye Faithful, John Wade, Arr. Bill Holcombe
08:46 - Second Waltz, from "Jazz Suite n.2", Shostakovich, arr. S. Verhaert
13:31 - An Old Garden, from New England Idyls Suite, Op. 62, Edward MacDowell
18:41 - Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella, Traditional, Arr. Bill Holcombe
22:05 - Estampas Criollas, Beatriz Lockhart, arr. Jorge Montilla
30:22 - The Sussex Mummers' Christmas Carol, arr. Matt Johnson
34:17 - Caprice for Clarinet, Clare Grundman
O Come, All Ye Faithful
"O Come, All Ye Faithful" is a cherished Christmas hymn with origins tracing both its music and Latin text, "Adeste Fidelis", back to John Francis Wade. Wade was an Englishman at the College of Douai during the early 1740s who made his living by copying and selling plainchant and other music. It has since received an English translation by Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880) and has also been expanded over time with the addition of many new verses, due partially to the strength of the original tune. This arrangement showcases that well, taking the familiar music through many transpositions in a joyful display of Christmas cheer.
Second Waltz, from "Jazz Suite n.2"
The second jazz suite was composed following the tumultuous political controversies of the mid 1930s in Russia. Shostakovich, under pressure from Stalin and the newspaper Pravda to compose music appropriate to the state-enforced values, had recently finished his fourth symphony but pulled it from performance during rehearsals under the pretense that he wasn't yet satisfied with it. His fifth symphony (1937) and second jazz suite (1938) received wide acclaim and managed to skirt the fine line between musical expression and Soviet censorship. The second waltz is one of Shostakovich's most well-known works. While not particularly based on jazz idioms, it was written in the popular light orchestra style of the 1930s and has been arranged for many ensembles, including this version for clarinet choir.
An Old Garden, from New England Idyls Suite, Op. 62
Edward Macdowell was best known for his piano concertos and suites, including the "New England Idylls", from of which this piece is a part. Macdowell often used the word "old" in his titles to evoke the nostalgic past, and this piece is thought to be inspired by the memory of a garden from MacDowell's house in Wiesbaden, Germany, where MacDowell lived for a time after finishing his studies. It was prefaced by the verse: Sweet - alyssum, / Moss grown stair, / Rows of roses, / Larkspur fair. / All old posies, / Tokens rare / Of love undying / Linger there.
Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella
"Bring the Torch, Jeanette Isabella" is a charming Christmas carol that started its life as dance music for nobility in 17th century Provence, France. It was first printed with lyrics in 1688 with the Provençal text "Venès lèu, Vèire la piéucello; Venès lèu, Genti pastourèu!", or "Come quickly, to see the little girl; Come quickly, kind shepherd!", in a collection of twelve noëls by Nicolas Saboly. While uncommon in the United States, it is still used to this date on Christmas Eve in Provence, where children dress as shepherds and milkmaids, bringing torches and candles on the way to Midnight Mass.
Selections from: Estampas Criollas
"Estampas Criollas," composed by Uruguayan composer, pianist, and teacher Beatriz Lockhart, is a vibrant and colorful representation of South American musical traditions. Each movement of the piece is based on a different Latin American dance (Merengue, Bambuco, Waltz, and Joropo). Originally written for chamber orchestra, this version was scored for clarinet quartet by the renowned Latin-American clarinetist Jorge Montilla.
The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol
The Australian-born Percy Grainger made a career as a touring pianist in the British Isles and collecting folk songs from the British and Irish countryside. He later emigrated to the United States, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Saxophonist. His many works as a composer tie together these English folk tunes with classical instrumentation. "The Sussex Mummers’ Christmas Carol" is a charming piece based on an English folk tune traditionally performed by 'mummers' during Christmas. Grainger's arrangement captures the rustic and heartfelt qualities of the original tune, while his distinctive harmonic language adds a touch of whimsy.
Caprice for Clarinet
Clare Ewing Grundman was a highly-respected and prolific composer of American band music. His activities include score and arrangements for radio, television, motion pictures, ballet and Broadway musicals. "Caprice for Clarinet" is a lively and engaging piece that showcases the clarinet's versatility and expressive capabilities. Known for its playful character and technical demands, this work offers both a challenge and a showcase for clarinetists. Characterized by its brisk tempo, intricate passages, and joyful spirit, it is a favorite among clarinet repertoire.