Wayfaring Stranger

Wayfaring Stranger (Four Arrangements)
Arranged by Ricky Lombardo
for Expandable Flute Choir
Published by Lombardo Music Publications
Includes score and parts

Durations:
Version 1 – 2'20″
Version 2 – 2'
Version 3 – 2'40″
Version 4 – 2'55″
Total Performance Time – 9'55″

Instrumentation:
Part 1 – C Flute
Part 2 – C Flute
Part 3 – C Flute
Part 4 – C Flute
Part 5 – Alto Flute
Part 5 – C Flute (Substitute for Alto Flute)
Part 6 – C or Bass Flute
Part 7 – Contrabass Flute

Performance Notes:
       The first version is deeply moving and will leave your audience breathless. This arrangement opens with counter melody interplay between four c flutes and then shortly moves to employ the entire ensemble. A staightforward arrangement with several moving parts mostly in the upper flutes, it is a work that has a very sustained, lush, and lyrical approach to an American folk hymn. Beautiful!
       Version 2 is much faster in tempo and quite energetic. There is a great deal of syncopation throughout much of the arrangement. A stop time section appears at measure 41 with all flutes playing in block harmony. Arranged in a completely new style this verison of “Wayfaring Stranger” takes on a different approach. Unique!
       The third version is quite flowing and melodic. Eight measures of introduction presents an infectious melodic line, which is then heard several times throughout the arrangement. This haunting melody weaves nicely into the well-known tune. There are some stylistic changes throughout various sections of this work. It ends with the original melody played using both second and third C flutes employing their low register. Infectious!
       Version 4 is a modern spin on this timeless tune. A raggae-swing feel at 104 bpm starts and ends the piece. There is a full jazzy big band style chorus with all flutes playing in tutti throughout the middle section. Each flutist will need to treat two written eighth notes or dotted eights followed by sixteenths alike interpreting them as swing triplets with a two-thirds and one-third division. Even thoughit may be a challenge to feel, the end result is certain to entertain your audience and bring a smile to musicians. Jazzy and fun for all!

The Expandable Form:
      The concept of the expandable form gives a great deal of versatility in any flute choir situation. This arrangement works successfully using a quartet of four C flutes on the first four parts. As instruments are added they are used to expand the harmonic support, reinforce a line of another part and/or introduce new counter melodies. The integrity of the arrangement is never compromised. It is only enhanced. The expandable flute choir arrangement has been widely embraced by flute choirs worldwide.