Robert Burns Suite for Clarinet Quartet

The Robert Burns Suite for Clarinet Quartet by Hugh Levey is a four movement work, based on the well-known Burns songs; My Love She's But a Lassie Yet, Ye Banks and Braes o' Bonnie Doon, The Deil's Awa' Wi' the Exciseman, and Auld Lang Syne. Parts are included for both 3 x Bb Clarinets and Bass Clarinet, and 4 x Bb Clarinets. Although Burns wrote the words of these songs, he set them to existing Scottish traditional tunes. I: My Love She's But a Lassie Yet (Lady Badinscoth's Reel) II: Ye Banks and Braes o' Bonnie Doon (The Caledonian Hunt's Delight) III: The Deil's Awa' wi' the Exciseman IV: Auld Lang Syne (Suitable for recital or for accompanying solo or community singing) The movements can be played separately but are presented here as a suite, with a suggested order. They are also available to purchase separately as individual pieces at www.woodwindly.com. They are ideal pieces to play in Recital, for Burns and St Andrews Night celebrations, as well as other social occasions. Movement 1 begins with a stately 'classical' arrangement of My Love She's But a Lassie Yet, but as it develops the tune combines with another traditional melody, followed by some operatic quotations, and a five part fugue. It ends with an embellished restatement of the opening. Movement 2 opens with gentle chords that accompany the Clarinet 1 which plays the simple yet beautiful melody of Ye Banks and Braes. In the middle section, Clarinet 3 takes the lead with Clarinet 1 playing a counter melody. They are joined by the others playing the same two musical lines in canon with them. Clarinet 1 resumes the melody in verse 3 with slightly altered chordal accompaniment. Movement 3 begins with melody and bass line, almost exactly as they appeared in The Scots Musical Museum, published by James Johnson & Co between 1787 and 1803. The other instruments all get the opportunity to play the melodic line in the ensuing 5 verses, as the arrangement gets more complex and fun. The composer makes great use of the tritone; or "devil's interval" as it is often known because of its unsettling presence. However, in this arrangement it merely adds to the fun and excitement. Movement 4 is a simple arrangement of Auld Lang Syne, in a key that is suitable to accompany solo or community singing. After a short introduction by the melody appears over 'bagpipe' drones. The final verse is in majestic four part harmony to bring a rousing end to this popular Burns song and the suite. Duration: 8' to 10'