YOUNG BAND REPERTOIRE PROJECT
Literature Analyses


SONGS OF THE WHALEMEN
Written by Elliot Del Borgo


Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
Year Published: 1997 
Difficulty Level: Publisher rating = 2

1999-2002 Texas PML rating = Grade 2

Reviewed by: Laurie Jean Lammons - Spring 2000
Style/Form: Medley of two songs - Introduction, Adieu to Erin (m.1 - m.39) ABAB Form; Transition to Blow ye Winds (m.33 - m.39); Blow ye Winds (m.40 - m. 211) ABA1 Form
Key Signatures:

(concert pitch)

One flat 
Time Signatures: 4/4 (m.1 - m.39); 2/4 (m.40 - end)
Ranges: Woodwinds:
    Flute up to g2, down to f; Flute 2 up to f2, down to d; Oboe up to c2, down to e-flat; Clarinet 1 down to E; Clarinet 2 down to E; Clarinet 3 down to E; E-flat Alto Clarinet up to a, down to A; Bass Clarinet up to a, down to E; Alto Sax 1 up to d2, down to c; Alto Sax 2 up to c2, down to c; Bari Sax down to B; Bassoon down to d
Brass:
    Trombone up to d, down to D; Baritone up to d, down to BB; Convertible Bass Line up to c, down to C
Rhythms: Winds:
    Level 3
Percussion:
    Level 3
Instrumentation: Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Clarinet 3, E-flat Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet (Contrabass Clarinet), Bassoon, Alto Sax 1, Alto Sax 2, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax (Contralto Clarinet), Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Horn in F, Trombone, Baritone TC, Baritone BC, Tuba, Convertible Bass Line, Percussion 1, Percussion 2, Mallet Percussion, Timpani  
Percussion: Snare Drum, Wood Block, Bass Drum, Bells, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Tom Tom's, Timpani
Conductor Score: Full score
Length/Timing: 7 minutes, 15 seconds (211 measures)
Comments:
  • dynamics are from p to fff
  • Clarinet 2 and 3 do not go above the break
  • Timpani has a pitch change from D to C in m. 33
  • Timpani uses three notes C, D and F
  • isolated Flute line from m.48 - m.55
  • isolated Snare Drum line starting in m.40
  • isolated Flute and Clarinet line m.56 - m.67
  • much use of syncopation
  • much use of chromaticism
  • much use of independent parts suitable for wind ensemble setting

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