Mountain Songs

Mountain Songs
Composed by Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962)
Written for Flute Choir
Published by Lawdon Press
Duration: 8-10 minutes
Includes score and parts

Recommended Instrumentation:
2 Piccolos
3 1st Flutes
3 2nd Flutes
2 3rd Flutes
1 Alto Flute
1 Bass Flute

The bass drum can be played by any available player. It is optional if one is not available.

“Mountain Songs” is a depiction of the mountains and the life of its inhabitants. After a lively introduction, somewhat in the character of a jug band, there are four movements: “Lazy Laid-Back Afternoon by the Pond”, reminiscent of slow summer days spent fishing down at the pond; “Mountain Spirituals”, revealing the lively interchange in mountain churches where no hymnal exists, but a caller first sings the phrase which is then taken up by the congregation; “Lament for a Dead Child”, mourning the loss of a child – a more common occurrence back up in the mountains where no help may be available; and, “Mountain Air”, which depicts the crystal clearness and biting edge of the breezes that blow through the mountains.