So Many Themes, So Little Time
This delightful medley of movie themes, arranged by internationally renowned flutist Gareth McLearnon, covers decades of movie music, all within a few minutes! How many themes do you recognize?
Because
The songs of the Beatles have become staples of community musical groups, with their timeless melodic lines and instantly recognizable harmonies. Because, from the album Abbey Road, released in 1969, was written by John Lennon. The idea for the song came to him as he listened to Yoko Ono playing Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata on the piano. Listen closely to see if you can hear any similarities. This flute choir arrangement was skillfully constructed by the award winning composer Eugene Magalif.
Beckett’s Whisper
Based on the life of Irish-borne playwright Samuel Beckett, composer Ron Korb paints an emotional musical portrait of longing for one’s home and revisiting impressions life experiences may have made on the the author.
Shakespeare’s Garden
Regal and stately, Grant Horsely’s Shakespeare’s Garden is reminiscent of a courtly dance that will transport you back to 16th century England.
Greensleeves Fantasia
Composer Anne McGinty skillfully weaves together two medieval songs from 1575, The Ballad of Lady Greensleeves and Lovely Joan. Enjoy the transition back and forth between the two melodies and the rich musical textures.
Midnight Carousel
Imagine a carousel and its joyous sounds. Now, imagine it spinning around in the dark of night, long after the carnival has closed down for the evening. This is Grant Horsely’s Midnight Carousel, where a minor waltz and a haunting scherzo battle to own the night.
Young Edwin in the Lowlands Low
When recording equipment first became available in the early 1900’s, many composers traveled around their countrysides to capture folk music, including Gustav Holst. The first movement of Holst’s beloved collection Folksongs of Hampshire, Young Edwin, is a lively piece inspired by sounds Holst captured while traveling in Ireland.
Rose Cottage, from A Gaelic Offering
Composer Catherine McMichael’s beloved contribution to flute ensemble literature, A Gaelic Offering, is truly a staple. Rose Cottage features a soaring melody based on sounds of Gaelic culture. Originally written for flute quartet, the composer now offers this stunning piece for a variety of small ensembles.
Jamaican Rhapsody
Jerry Nowak’s joyful and jazzy arrangement of The Banana Boat Song, Mary Anne, and Jamaica Farewell will transport you to Caribbean with a smile on your face.
Capitol Rain
Written by local composer Nathan Jensen, Capitol Rain incorporates the soothing sounds of a rain stick with a dream-like melody that somehow captures the essence of Olympia.
Arirang from Three Korean Folk Songs
You may recognize the simple and charming melody of Arirang, as it is one of the most well-known Korean folks songs, so much, in fact, that it is twice listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, once for South Korea, and once for North Korea, and is viewed as a song of unity between the two countries. Arirang is believed to tell the story of a woman who waits for the return of her beloved.
Defying Gravity
We hope you enjoy this lovely and uplifting arrangement of Defying Gravity, from the hit musical and movie, Wicked. Perhaps the most recognizable tune form Wicked, Defying Gravity begins with a bit of bickering between Glinda and Elphaba, who has realized she must live her life without the limits placed on her by someone else’s rules.