Waltzing Matilda for Horn Quartet and 2 Offstage Horns

Description

Version for Horn Quartet and 2 Offstage Horns

by Kerry Turner

IHS Symposium 2010

The IHS International Symposium 2010 was in Brisbane, Australia. The American Horn Quartet went as Featured Artists. To commemorate this occasion, Kerry Turner composed a special piece, featuring the famous Australian folksong “Waltzing Matilda.”

Waltzing Matilda

After a literal statement of the melody, the music sweeps the listener back 200 years to the age of exploration. This swashbuckling music is gripping with adventure and excitement. Surprisingly there is also a second famous version. Specifically, “The Band Played Waltzing Matilda” is a tragic ballad from World War One.  This song describes the disastrous lost of life by Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought at the battle of Gallipoli in Turkey. According to several of the composer’s Australian acquaintances, this somber ballad holds particular meaning and importance in the “Land Down Under.” Accordingly, Mr. Turner incorporated a middle section, which represents this tragic period in the country’s history.

Undoubtedly, this piece is a brilliantly virtuoso romp, which demands refined ensemble skills as well as highly developed technical ability. The piece was composed in Leipzig, Germany in May 26-28, 2010.  It lasts approximately 6 minutes.

Listen to a performance on YouTube!