[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Re: Tune Books (fwd)

To: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Tune Books (fwd)
From: ElHeugh@xxxxxxx
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 1997 21:17:07 -0500 (EST)
Priority: low
Reply-to: brass-band@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In a message dated 97-02-23 19:34:58 EST, you write:

<< To my knowledge, most of these tunes were arranged by Ray Steadman-Allen.
  >>
Your information is incorrect:  Upon returning from a stint in Australia,
RS-A was given the assignment of overseeing the production of the band
arrangements to the tune book.  The contents and harmoniations had already
been determined by the SA Song Book Commission (committee) and someone in the
International Music Editorial Dept. had the bright idea that it would be nice
to ask SA writers and arrangers from all over the world to each arrange a few
tunes that would be included in the compilation.

The result was a hodge-podge of arranging philosophy, with a variety of skill
levels that became painfully obvious.  RSA was brought in to clean up the
mess because the person assigned to this specific project (who shall remain
nameless.. and never mind, most of you haven't heard of him anyway) had no
skill in arranging, virtually no publications to his credit.  But the
assignments had gone out and were now coming in and landing on
Steadman-Allen's desk.

Out of fairness to RSA, he did the best he could with what he got, serving as
editor, not chief arranger.  (I think there was special from the
soon-to-retire General at the time to get this stuff out on his watch so his
name could be printed in the front of each book.)  

I can assure you that if RSA had done the whole thing himself, it would have
been of uniform- and extremely high quality.  Indeed, there are some very
fine arrangements contained therein- in spite of the 4-part voicing
limitations.  Repton and Sagina are particularly nice, as well as Eternal God
and Prayer of Childhood, to name a few.

But the opinion that in general, these arrangements are average (or less) is
quite accurate, I think.

William Himes


--
unsubscribe or receive the list in digest form, mail a message of 'help' to
listserv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Prev by Date: Brass bands in the New York City area
Next by Date: International Tuba/Euph conference
Previous by thread: Isaiah 40 article - Canadian War Cry
Next by thread: Training Video
Index(es):
- Date
- Thread