Beneath the Weeping Willow

Description

Flowing with expression, this arrangement of the beautiful folk song “Beneath the Weeping Willow” is perfect for working on legato phrases and developing independent playing. It would also be an excellent choice for a concert program.

Program Notes

“Beneath the Weeping Willow” is a lush String Orchestra setting of the folk tune “Bury Me Beneath the Willow.” In this sad song, the author tells of betrayal and a broken heart, and she asks to be buried beneath the weeping willow “so he will know where I am sleeping, and perhaps he will weep for me.” The sorrowful narrative setting is gilded by the aching beauty of the simple and plaintive melody in D major. Cascading accompaniment patterns are prominent throughout this arrangement, and Fiddle-style figures and textures are used to great effect. Each section is given an opportunity to present the melody. This piece is a wonderful choice for teaching students musicality, phrasing, and ensemble balance