Fantasia on a Theme from "The Southern Harmony"

Warm, emotional, and harmonically rich, this tune from the shaped-note book of hymns is the perfect subject for this collection of colorful and creative fantasies. The initial presentation is both flippant and humorous; the next is simple and childlike, featuring a delicate percussion ensemble, clarinet ensemble or combination of both. The final fantasy incessantly drives the music forward, increasing the pent-up energy for the final climactic and thrilling conclusion.