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"Misty"

GENERAL INFORMATION
Title Misty
ComposerE. Garner (arr: F.G.J. Absil)
Instrum.Concert Band
Date30 Augustus 2001
Duration4'30
StyleBallad (feature for Solo Trumpet)
KeyF - Ab
Meter4/4
Measures66
Tempo60 BPM
Grade3

FULL INSTRUMENTATION

A musical score excerpt
  • Piccolo, Flute 1-2, Oboe 1-(2), Bassoon 1-(2), Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1-2-3, Bass Clarinet;
  • Alto Saxophone 1-2, Tenor Saxophone 1-2, Baritone Saxophone;
  • French Horn 1-2-3-(4), Trumpet 1-2-3-4 (1st trumpet solo), Trombone 1-2-3-(4), Baritone 1-2, Tuba;
  • Guitar, Keyboard (Celesta), Bass Guitar, Drums;
  • Timpani, Percussion (2 players: bass drum, tambourine, triangle), Mallets (glockenspiel, vibraphone).

NOTES FOR THE PERFORMER

This ballad, entitled Misty probably is the best-known composition by the piano player Erroll Garner. This arrangement for concert band features a solo trumpet; this may be replaced by a solo fluegelhorn for a warmer sound.

The instrumentation allows a smaller band; there are non-essential parts for oboes, bassoons, 4th horn, 4th trombone (bass trombone) and acoustic double bass.

In this arrangement shrill and full-of-dissonance harmonisations are juxtaposed with chorale-like ensemble voicings. It will require careful listening to play the extended jazz chords in tune. Upper figurative lines are written for high woodwinds (piccolo, Eb-clarinet and flute), doubled by the keyboard (select the celesta timbre) and the glockenspiel.

In the middle there is a change of key from F to Ab, for a brief written-out solo for trumpet. The meter is irregular: the 4/4 meter is interrupted at the end of the introduction, in the interlude and in the solo-cadense by measures in 5/4 and 6/4 meter.

Let the solo trumpet have the opportunity for rubato playing, especially in the final solo-cadense. Put the trumpet player in front of the orchestra and consider electronic amplification to obtain the appropriate balance.