Five Songs of China

Based on five songs from various regions of China (“The Lion”, “Ten Sisters”, “Myela”, “Big Eyes Call”, and “The Bird's Beautiful Song”), this symphonic tone poem is Western neo-tonal treatment of the melodic and harmonic material derived from the five melodies. The colors and sonorities of the symphonic band are used to project the variety of textures that display the contrasting moods of the pieces to make a powerful musical statement.

Grade Level: 5
Copyright: 2009
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 9:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Programming: Multicultural
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2/3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
T.C. Baritone
Tuba

Mallet Percussion 1 (Xylophone, Chimes, Marimba)
Mallet Percussion 2 (Bells, Vibraphone, Marimba)
Timpani (4)
Percussion 1 [2 players] (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Triangle, Claves)
Percussion 2 [2 players] (4 Toms, Gong, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals)