Scenes from the Scottish Highlands

Program Notes

This suite consists of five Scottish melodies based on Granville Bantock's setting for string orchestra.

Strathspey: A dance named after the Strathspey region of Scotland, following the River Spey. It is characterized by the "snaps" in its rhythm, also reflected in the dance itself.

Dirge: A lament depicting the loneliness on the Isle of Mull. Far in the north, treacherous waters and rocky shores isolate these islands under dense fog and mist.

Quickstep: A quick two-beat march-style piece with a unique tonality in its writing. Meetings for Scottish sports like the Inverness Gathering would be one place to hear this music.

Gaelic Melody: A sorrowful air called "Lady Anne Bothwell's Lament." Written in the form of a cradle-song, it tells a tragic story between mother and child. The first few lines read:

Baloo, my boy, lie still and sleep;
It grieves me sore to hear thee weep.

Reel: A popular Scottish dance tune. Its excitement and liveliness heat up until the very end, reminiscent of bagpipes and dancing.

Instrumentation

Flute Choir -

2 Flutes
2 Alto Flutes
1 Bass Flute
1 Contrabass Flute

Contrabass flute may be doubled or substituted with a second bass flute.‍ ‍

Offered separately is a set of additional bass clef parts. These supplement the bass and contrabass flutes for more support in the low register for the ensemble. They may also replace the contrabass part if necessary. -

Bassoon
Bass Clarinet
(Additional score)