Product Description
Mermaids: an aquatic portrait is an exploration of the seas through the eyes of three
different mermaids. The piece begins with the full pod of mermaids swimming
swiftly through the open sea with warbled sixteenth note patterns such as in
measure 1-4. In measure 6, the layered buildup of running sixteenth notes gives
the impression of the mermaids swimming up to the surface, only to then dive back
into the water. The silent first two beats at letter A represent the mermaid Miriana
momentarily in the air before splashing back into the water. Her theme begins at
measure 12. The playful theme is of her racing with a dolphin through the waters.
At letter C, the scene changes to Grendella, who is collecting shells along the calm
ocean floor. The contrapuntal cascading patterns take the listener deeper into the
ocean toward the ocean floor. As the light gets dimmer, this is represented by the
accidentals starting at measure 31 which changes the mood of the piece. The
Grendella section is calmer, built upon an arpeggiated pentatonic scale. The bass
flute melody gives this theme an ethereal quality.
At letter F, we are introduced to Lillia. Starting at letter G, she is beset by
fishermen who begin to chase her. The chase is represented by aggressive,
accented call and response. The contrapuntal layering of the opening is imitated
here and builds suspense. Lillia's escape is represented by the layered whole tone
passage in measures 84-86. The melody at letters H and I is Lillia taunting the
fishermen, accompanied by running sixteenth notes passed back and forth around
the ensemble.
At letter J, Lillia calls for the other mermaids and they answer. At letter K, we start
to see the mermaids coming from all over to regroup. There is a return of Miriana's
theme at letter M once the pod is back together which drives to a joyous and
energetic ending.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.