Suite "The Fairie Round" (414.01)

Suite "The Fairie Round" (414.01) (Although little is known of the life of Anthony Holborne he must have commanded considerable respect amongst a highly talented collection of contemporary composers. Over 150 instrumental pieces, mostly instrumental, survive in printed collections such as his “Pavans, Galliards, Almains and other short Aeirs” (1599). The typical English suite had not yet adopted the Italian style of idiomatic virtuoso instrumental writing, particularly for the violin. It retained a flexible approach to orchestration. IN the case of Holborne’s 1599 set, for example, the title states that the music may be played by ‘Viols, Violins or other Musical Winde Instruments’. The greatest fashion of the time was for the Italian-derived madrigal and though, on the surface, its instrumental counterpart seems a far less promising vehicle, the fanciful titles that composers gave to these dance movements suggest that no less a degree of intensity of expression should be employed in their performance. Performance notes: Seating: (Left-right from the audience). Tpt1, Tpt2, Trb1, Trb2, B Trb, Tuba, Trb3, Horn, Tpt 4(Flug1), Tpt 3(Flug2). If no extra drummer is used two instruments are required: one to be played by Trb 2 and the other shard by Tuba and Horn. The tambourine in the second movement is only used if here is an extra player. Copious articulations and dynamics have been added; although these scan be altered at the players discretion, a sense of rhythmic style is of paramount importance to a successful performance of this music. Phrases must be shaped with a corporate feeling for the lift of the music. Precise articulation is required to convey the complicated cross-rhythms that occur in the quick music. At all times a lightness of approach is desirable; louder music should be played with rhythmic clarity and lift but with a tasteful restraint in keeping with the style. The vitality of the music is more important than the volume! If only one flugel is available, it should be used by the 4th trumpet player.)