4(I,II,III,IV=picc).2.corA.8.Ebcl.altocl.2bcl.dbcl.ssax(=sopraninosax).asax(=ssax).tsax.
barsax.2.dbn-4.4.4.2euph.2-timp-perc(6:5/6 ad lib):SD/glsp/ratchet/large cyms/TD/marimba/xyl/
2Chin.bl/tamb/2tgl/BD/vib/t.bells/claves/whip/2susp.cym/maracas/jingles/wdbl/tam-t/2klaxons/
bell tree-double basses
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
This work was commissioned by a consortium of five American wind bands. It was sketched intermittently from 1988 but the main composing was done Summer 1990. Though large in scale it is simple in shape – an introduction and allegro with coda.
The introduction is of course the Entrance. The Carousing is the rondo allegro opened up by the entrance; its episodes, variously riotous or plangent, form islands within an overall loosely fugal texture. At the climax the opening is regained, its elements reordered and drastically curtailed. It leads this time into a rough drinking song which expands into a final grandiose apotheosis – as if the Viking longboats were tunnelling out into stormy Northern seas, then receding into the distance over the horizon.
Entrance:Carousing:Embarcation is dedicated to Malcolm Williamson in the year of his 60th birthday.
Robin Holloway
Reproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced free of charge in concert programmes with a credit to the composer