Minstrel Boy

Minstrel Boy
Type
Piece
Composer
Julian David Bryson
Composer Nationality
American
Composer Date of Birth
1980
Text
Thomas Moore
Year Composed
2009
Minutes
3:45
Difficulty
3 (Advanced high school, collegiate or community chorus)
Language
English
Voicing
4 part mixed chorus; 4 part low voice chorus; 4 part treble chorus
Divisi
Yes
Solos
T or S
Instruments
Piano
Extended Techniques
No
Video
No
Sacred or Secular
Secular
Mood
Inspiring; Dramatic, with dynamic contrasts
Description

This dramatic setting uses voices and piano to imitate traditional Irish instruments.  It tells the tale of a warrior bard who falls in battle. Just before perishing, the soldier chooses to destroy his harp rather than his sword, because he fears music falling into the wrong hands more than he fears physical violence. A favorite of service personnel, the Irish air is perfect for tributes and memorials.

https://soundcloud.com/julian-bryson/minstrel-boy-ttbb-arr-julian-david-bryson?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fjulian-bryson%252Fminstrel-boy-ttbb-arr-julian-david-bryson

Audio Credit
University of Kentucky Men's Chorus
Publisher/Distributor
MusicSpoke.com
Performances
Huntsville Community Chorus: 2010 Mar 13 (Irish Spring), cond. Orton