Description

Instrumentation: Flute 1, Flute 2 / Descant Recorder, Bb Clarinet, Violin, Accordion / Piano / Guitar, Bass

This beautiful slow air is another tune I heard while on holiday in Brittany many years ago. I arranged it for the Folk Band at school and it was popular both with them and with audiences at end-of-term concerts. It is also viable as an Ensemble submission for all major GCSE specifications, proving that rules on “doubling of parts” are observed. It could also be viable at KS3 and / or KS4.

The two main sections contrast A minor and C major. It should be played smoothly and gracefully. Other slow airs arranged for this combination include “The Spinning Wheel”, “Air”, “Dark Island”, “Flow gently, sweet Afton” and “Carolan’s Air.”