The Banshee

This student favorite piece vividly narrates the tale of the Banshee, a spirit from Irish folklore who heralds the death of a family member with haunting wails or keens. Her "wails" are created with gooey slides in the solo part - centered around the octave harmonic that provide excellent practice for players new to shifting. These eerie slides are set against an atmospheric "moorland" of a piano part. The first theme is derived from the medieval "Dies Irae" requiem chant, a melody traditionally associated with death. The second theme is an adapted Irish reel, played slowly at first before racing into a swirling finale! Programs well with "The Kappa" and "The Pink Dolphin" for themed recitals!