Father and Daughter

Originally scored for 5 solo voices, a double mixed chorus, 3 orchestral groups of brass, strings, and mixed mandolins and guitars, Father and Daughter is one of Grainger's most exciting works. It may be performed as a standalone work or as a set called "Three Tragic Ballads."

Program Notes

Father and Daughter is Nr. 1 of the Settings of Dance-Folksongs from the Faeroe Islands. “Composed in 1908-9, it is scored in the original for five solo voices, described as ‘narrators’ because they tell the tale, with a double mixed chorus actively representing the ‘tribe’, and with three orchestral groups of brass, strings, and mixed mandolins and guitars (as many as possible).” (Wilfred Mellers in Percy Grainger). One of Percy’s most exciting pieces, John Bird tells us that, at the premiere performance of Father and Daughter at the Queen’s Hall in 1912, Grainger received twelve curtain-calls, and the piece had to be repeated twice!

Father and Daughter is a Grade 5, well-suited for the outstanding high school or collegiate band. Duration 5′.

Note: This piece can be performed as a standalone work or as a set- Three Tragic Ballads -with The Three Ravens and Danny Deever.

Grade Level: 5
Copyright: 2004
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 5:00
Publisher: Aux Arcs Music
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Piccolo (1)
Flute 1 & 2 (4)
Oboe 1 & 2 (2)
Englih Horn (1)
Bassoon 1 & 2 (2)
Contrabassoon (1)
B-flat Clarinet 1 (3)
B-flat Clarinet 2 & 3 (6)
B-flat Clarinet (2)
E-flat Contra-alto Clarinet (1)
B-flat Soprano Saxophone (1)
E-flat Alto Saxophone 1 & 2 (2)
B-flat Tenor Saxophone (1)
E-flat Baritone Saxophone (1)
B-flat Bass Saxophone (1)

B-flat Trumpet 1 (2)
B-flat Trumpet 2 & 3 (4)
French Horn 1 & 2 (2)
French Horn 3 & 4 (2)
Trombone 1 & 2 (2)
Trombone 3 (1)
Euphonium (2)
T.C. Euphonium (2)
Tuba (3)
Double Bass (1)

Orchestra Bells or Crotales
Xylophone
Tubular Bells (Chimes)
Vibraphone 1 & 2
Marimba 1 (4.3-octave) top
Marimba 2 (5-octave) top (plus Snare Drum)
Marimba bottom (plus Suspended Cymbal)
Marimba bottom (plus Large Kettledrum)

Piano