Lyric Variations on Slane

This Irish folk song known as The Banks of the Bann, was turned into a hymn tune in the twentieth century.  Beginning with the theme in the woodwinds, this is followed by the first variation, warm with rich harmonies, presented by the brass.  An ethereal variation follows with harmonies built in blocks by winds and brass.  The final variation leads off with the glockenspiel, marimba, and chimes, braced by tenor drum and a choir of flutes.  Recalling the harmonies of the final variation, the coda then ends with a halo of flutes, clarinets, and mallet percussion.