Molly on the Shore

Molly on the Shore
by Percy Grainger
arranged for Clarinet quartet
by William May
recorded April 17th, 2011

Featuring:
Trevor K. Ousey, Clarinet
Yuji Jones, Clarinet
Elizabeth Gorman, Clarinet
Mark Dortwegt, Bass Clarinet

From the program notes:

Percy Grainger's personality is almost as well known as his catchy compositions. Originally from Australia, Grainger became a popular concert pianist and teacher in London from 1901 to 1914. During this time, he also became a composer and ethnomusicologist often toting Thomas Edison's new wax recording device around the countryside to record folk melodies. These folk tunes became the basis of many of his later compositions including Lincolnshire Posy and Molly on the Shore.

Molly on the Shore is based on two Irish reels set in contrasting textures and orchestrations. Originally written as a string quartet in 1907, the piece was arranged in 1920 for wind band and later for orchestra. The wind band became a popular vehicle for Grainger's compositions, many of which are still played in band concerts today. When writing to conductor Frederick Fennel about the piece, Grainger said:

"... I strove to imbue the accompanying parts that made up the harmonic texture with a melodic character not too unlike that of the underlying reel tune. Melody seems to me to provide music with initiative, wheras {sic} rhythm appears to me to exert an enslaving influence. For that reason I have tried to avoid regular rhythmic domination in my music - always excepting irregular rhythms, such as those of Gregorian Chant, which seem to me to make for freedom. Equally with melody, I prize discordant harmony, because of the emotional and compassionate sway it exerts."

The piece has been arranged for clarinet quartet by William May, an arranger and composer out of Atlanta, Georgia. The original composition was dedicated to Grainger's mother on her birthday. It is with my heart that I dedicate this performance to both of my parents for their unwavering support throughout my college career.

About the performers:

Yuji Jones is from Hagerstown, Maryland, and is currently a Junior studying music education at the Jacobs School of Music. He is the recipient of various music scholarships along with an honorable mention on the Dean's List. He has had the great opportunity of playing in all three of the IU concert bands during his time as an undergraduate student thus far. Yuji studies with professor Eli Eban.

Liz Gorman is a Junior from McLean, Virginia, and is pursuing a degree in clarinet performance with a minor in jazz studies. She has played I all of the IU bands as well as the University, Chamber, and Philharmonic Orchestras. Last fall, she was featured as a soloist in the ballet piece, "Aspects of Andy" by Dr. David Baker. A lover of jazz and world music, she performs in the jazz clarinet and harp duo "Lization," which was featured with the Latin American Popular Music Ensemble this past February, as well as the IU Brazilian Percussion Ensemble. Liz studies with professor Howard Klug.

Mark Dortwegt, a native of Downers Grove, Illinois, is a Junior at the Jacobs School of Music. He is pursuing a degree in instrumental music education with a minor in jazz studies. Upon graduation he plans to teach band in a public school setting while still exploring performance opportunities in both the jazz and classical realms. Mark studies with professor Howard Klug.

About the Arrangement:

More information about this arrangement can be found on William May's website:

http://williammaymusic.com/