Klarinet Archive - Posting 000131.txt from 2001/10

From: rgarrett@-----.edu
Subj: Re: [kl]American Civil War Fantasy
Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2001 04:20:29 -0400

Someone asked about American Civil War Fantasy, and I have a bit more time
to visit about this work.

It was written by Jerry Bilik in 1959 for the 1960 Russian Tour that the
University of Michigan Band, led by Dr. William D. Revelli, took. This
tour was funded through the State Department, and the Michigan Band was
chosen to represent the United States. It was a three month tour - and it
included music of America and music from Russia (mostly
transcriptions). An album, recorded in Carnegie Hall at the conclusion of
the tour and entitled, Michigan "On Tour!" was released by Vanguard
Records. In fact, this was one of three sets that came from that tour -
the "On Tour! album, the "Hail Sousa!" album, and the "Touchdown USA!"
album. All were recorded the same week by the same band in Carnegie
Hall. They are magnificent recordings.

The American Civil War Fantasy depicts the war - from the outset to its
conclusion. Over a dozen tunes of the day are featured in the fantasy -
most notably Dixie, Johnny Comes Marching Home, and of course, The Battle
Hymn of the Republic. There is a cannon in the final moments - followed by
a reprise of the Battle Hymn of the Republic - revoiced with trombones
added to the horns (at the beginning).

The work is tastefully done - imaginatively scored and voiced, and
creatively developed. I don't put it on the list of the "best music" for
bands, but it is certainly a good work to do - a "program" piece that
represents concert music for the medium of bands. I have conducted it
several times - twice with my high school bandss, and at least three
different times for Honor Bands. It never fails to receive a wonderful
ovation.

I recommend it to anyone who has good low brass, horns, a solo cornet and
trumpet (you need both), good solo oboe, and reasonable percussion.

Best wishes,
Roger Garrett

Clarinet Professor
Director, Symphonic Winds
Illinois Wesleyan University
School of Music
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900
Phone: (309) 556-3268
Fax: (309) 556-3121

"If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me,
this shop might as well be closed for any other business. I do the very
best I know how - the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until
the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't
amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, 10 angels swearing I
was right would make no difference."
-Abraham Lincoln

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