Prelude from 49th Parallel
by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band (1st Flute, 2nd Flute, Oboes, English Horn*, 1st Bb Clarinet, 2nd Bb Clarinet, 3rd Bb Clarinet, Eb Alto Clarinet*, Bb Bass Clarinet*, Eb Contralto Clarinet, 1st Bassoon, 2nd Bassoon*, 1st Eb Alto Saxophone, 2nd Eb Alto Saxophone*, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Ba) - grade 4

SKU: CN.R10241

Composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Arranged by Leroy Osmon. Band Music. Score and parts. Duration 2:30. Published by G & M Brand Music Publishers (CN.R10241).

From the film "49th Parallel," this prelude is a hymn in praise of freedom and mutual trust, which accompanies the film's prologue which is spoken over majestic shots of the Canadian Rockies. Osmon's orchestration retains the rich texture of the original, utilizing thick scoring throughout. The entire Prelude is played molto legato and its harmonies show a delightful simplicity.

Ralph Vaughan Williams was in his sixties when in 1941 he produced his first film score for Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's "49th Parallel." The Prelude, an orchestral hymn in praise of freedom and mutual trust, accompanies the film's prologue which is spoken over majestic shots of the Canadian Rockies. The Prelude was originally scored for strings and a few wind instruments. Osmon's orchestration retains the rich texture of the original, utilizing thick scoring throughout. The entire Prelude is played molto legato and its harmonies show a delightful simplicity. Osmon's orchestration was completed in December 1987 and is "dedicated to my friend Lee Boyd Montgomery.".