Product Description
Shenandoah
traditional American folk song
arranged for concert band by Stephen R Dalrymple
The meaning of this song will be long debated. Considered a sea chanty, the song was passed on orally by singers on clipper ships. The variations in lyrics that have been collected demonstrate how various singers over the decades have altered the song (consciously or unconsciously).
This arrangement is based on lyrics that were collected prior to 1860 and published in Sea Songs and Shanties by W. B. Whall (1910). There are evidently 2 rivers mentioned in this song, the Shenandoah and the Missouri. The song tells a love story between an impetuous trader and a Shenandoah Valley Native American princess. As the trader heads for the Missouri River, he looks back longingly to the home of the princess.
I have used the Dorian Mode to suggest Native American elements in the story line. The YouTube video features photos of both the Shenandoah River and the Missouri River.
The white man loved the Indian maiden, Away you rolling river. With notions his canoe was laden. Ah-ha, I'm bound away, Cross the wide Missouri.
"O, Shenandoah, I love your daughter, Away you rolling river. I'll take her 'cross yon rolling water." Ah-ha, I'm bound away, Cross the wide Missouri.
The chief disdained the trader's dollars: Away you rolling river. "My daughter never you shall follow." Ah-ha, I'm bound away, Cross the wide Missouri.
"O, Shenandoah, I long to hear you, Away you rolling river. Across that wide and rolling river." Ah-ha, I'm bound away, 'Cross the wide Missouri.
arrangement © 2000 Stephen R Dalrymple
recording 2021 Stephen R Dalrymple
presentation © 2021 Stephen R Dalrymple
sequenced by the arranger
Purchase price includes permission to make photocopies of parts and additional scores for a medium size school band.
This .pdf file includes 1) Condensed Conductors Score 2) Individual parts for: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, optional Clarinet 3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax /Alto Clarinet, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, French Horn, Trombone/Baritone/Bassoon, Treble Clef Baritone, Tuba, E Bass, Snare Drum/Cymbals, Shaker/Chimes, and Timpani
The YouTube video contains a full recording.
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