Percy Whitlock
BALLOON BALLET for orchestra
Goodmusic Concert Originals GMCO116
Catalogue Number: GMCO116
Difficulty level: D What's this?
ISMN: 9790222295193
Orchestration: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Bassoon, 2 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 2 Trombones, Timpani, Percussion (2 players: Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Cymbals), Harp or Piano, Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)
In September 1938, at the height of the Munich Crisis, Percy Whitlock settled down to fulfil a commission to compose incidental music for a play, 'The Day-Dream Family', written by Madge Beaumont (1880-1969), author of masques and children's plays, such as Sunset Land (1915), The Gardener of Dreams (1922) and Narcissa. Staged in Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre in February 1939, for the benefit of the local 'Waifs and Strays' Matinee, Whitlock's score amounted to some 40 minutes worth of songs and ballet numbers for what the local paper described as 'a charming fantasy'. It was set in the period 1848-1908 and featured a cast of 300 and Whitlock's wife, Edna, took the principal part of 'Sweetest One'. In Balloon Ballet, skilfully scored - with the lightest of touches - for a theatre pit orchestra, Whitlock maintains a dainty bounce throughout, helped by the rippling harp and viola's figuration.
A PACK comprises one full score, string parts 4/4/3/4/2 and all wind, brass and percussion parts.
Duration 5½ minutes
In September 1938, at the height of the Munich Crisis, Percy Whitlock settled down to fulfil a commission to compose incidental music for a play, 'The Day-Dream Family', written by Madge Beaumont (1880-1969), author of masques and children's plays, such as Sunset Land (1915), The Gardener of Dreams (1922) and Narcissa. Staged in Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre in February 1939, for the benefit of the local 'Waifs and Strays' Matinee, Whitlock's score amounted to some 40 minutes worth of songs and ballet numbers for what the local paper described as 'a charming fantasy'. It was set in the period 1848-1908 and featured a cast of 300 and Whitlock's wife, Edna, took the principal part of 'Sweetest One'. In Balloon Ballet, skilfully scored - with the lightest of touches - for a theatre pit orchestra, Whitlock maintains a dainty bounce throughout, helped by the rippling harp and viola's figuration.
A PACK comprises one full score, string parts 4/4/3/4/2 and all wind, brass and percussion parts.
Duration 5½ minutes
