O Waly Waly

Christopher Nelson’s O Waly Waly is a new setting of the tune more commonly known as “The Water is Wide.” Utilizing fresh orchestration and several solo moments throughout, the original melody is presented in several keys and textures, all evoking a sense of memory and reverence. A perfect selection for any ensemble looking for a slower number at their next concert or festival.

Program Notes

This setting of O Waly Waly (implying “wail,wail”) is the result of a commission to arrange a hymn tune for the Walla Walla University Wind Symphony. Brandon Beck, the ensemble’s conductor, suggested several tunes that he would like to have arranged, and allowed me to pick which one I would prefer to set for wind band. I immediately gravitated strongly toward this tune for, what seemed to me, no apparent reason. Later, after the piece was finished and delivered, I found out that the tune upon which it is based was a favorite of Mr. Beck’s late wife. It is my hope that listeners and performers will experience comforting reflection and encouragement from this new setting. - C.M.N.

Grade Level: 3.5
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
English Horn
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba
Contrabass
Piano

Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1: Suspended Cymbal, Wind Chimes
Percussion 2: Bass Drum
Percussion 3: Chimes, Crash Cymbals
Percussion 4: Glockenspiel, Crotales (1 octave)
Percussion 5: Vibraphone