This "French Folksong Fantasy" may also contain a surprising melody. As usual, it combines folk song melodies in a medley style, but the songs are not always in order, and there are some surprises. I hope you enjoy it as well.
First, the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" and the familiar "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" are introduced, followed by "Frere Jacques" in canon style. The melody is popular with lyrics in languages from around the world, such as "Brother John" in English. The melody is indicated "Solo for any instrument" in every part, so consider the instrument and individuality of player for balance. This is also an opportunity to highlight an instrument you rarely feature.
After "Frere Jacques" changes shape and repeated, the melody of "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" is repeated, changing the tonality and orchestration. This song is based on the Pont Saint-Benezet over the Rhone river in Avignon, but it is said that most of the bridge has now been washed away. It would be nice if the tone, volume, pronunciation, and speed of sound could be clearly switched so that the light and gentle parts can be featured. From [G], a lovely melody of Clair de Lune and Amaryllis is suddenly inserted in Sur le pont d'Avignon. This is a surprise. Again, a clear contrast is the point. Although Clair de Lune quotes Saint-Saens and Debussy, it may be known to wind band fans as a motif of Appelmont's Brussels Requiem.
When "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" finishes, the song is soft. From [I], it becomes an ensemble with any solo instrument again. This is a night scene. Then, "Moonlight" again (slower than before).
Then "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" follows. Originally, the lyrics were "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman" and nothing to do with stars...
The music in march style that can be heard from afar is "Sambre-et-Meuse Regiment". As the march approaches, the melody of the French national anthem, "La Marseilles," reappears in the song of the Marseille volunteers of the French Revolution, and the work boldly concludes.
The composition is flexible, and the whole is six parts including percussion.
You can freely select and play each specified instrument. Let's devise a combination of instruments according to the number of people and the instrumentation. It is not always necessary to play with all instruments, and for bands with a sufficient number of people, reduce the number of instruments as appropriate, set scenes with only woodwind or brass, or perform solo scenes of specific instruments other than those specified. The percussion can also be played alone using the drum set, and the optional Glockenspiel and xylophone can also be carried around.We hope you enjoy rehearsal and performance!
(Yo Goto)
