Bally Brew (An Irish Whimsy)
Lynn Job
About this work: Publisher: Buckthorn Music Press (cat. no. 87)
Bally Brew (an Irish Whimsy) (a professional 7-minute rondo capriccio for alto saxophone and bodhrán) was commissioned by Richard D. Smiley while he was pursuing doctoral studies at the University of North Texas College of Music. Mr. Smiley, originally from Cincinnati, traces his distant family roots to the emerald isle. He was drawn to this composer based upon her acclaimed solo writing, her own residency experience in Ireland, and her penchant for entwining original poetry and/or Judeo-Christian scriptures (or related ancient texts) into her scores. Smiley specified the unique instrumentation of this entertaining concert piece as well as the approximate duration.
Listen in Bally Brew for the quickly-changing affects and moods in this rondo of evocative, original folk-like jigs, airs, and impressionistic passage work - prepare to time travel without exact date-point. You might hear a call to wars, to strife, to love and loss, and a bold, stirring belief in a future of happy security and pastorale blessings. Hear the water flowing all around
you, and that poignant moment when a parody of Air to County Derry drifts past to stir your soul. Pass through the smokey peat fires and the bright breezes.
This mystic tale is painted simply, with a brave directness, humor and innocence unique to its Celtic heart.
“Clash! by cliffs of Aran-born,
splinting spray - wet Burren brew -
night-glowing bogs come ballys green.
Across the Clare, a cold coastal morn
blows ancient musics brightly brave.”
– Lynn Job
Version: solo alto saxophone
Year composed: 2007
Duration: 00:07:00
Ensemble type: Solo instrument, non-keyboard:Alto Saxophone
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: Irish Frame Drum (Bodhran) accompanies the solo alto sax.