Swiss Boy, The

The Swiss Boy (Air Varie)
Composed by B.E. Bent
Arranged for Flute Choir by Nancy Nourse
Published by Nourse Wind Publications
Duration (with repeats): ca. 5'30″
Includes score and parts

Instrumentation:
2 Solo Piccolos
4 C Flutes
Alto Flute
Bass Flute

From the Performance Notes:
      The Swiss Boy belongs to the vast repertoire of solo feature music of the ninetheenth century concert-in-the-park bands. Before the days of electronic amplification, soloists had to be selected from amongst those instruments that were able to project their sound above the accompanying ensemble and beyond the banstand to their audiences. Whereas the cornet was the undisputed first choice, the piccolo frequently claimed its solo position out in front. 
      The opening of this piece as well as the accompanying interludes at rehearsal letters C, F and J, should be played in a rousing fanfare style with bold energy. By contrast the piccolo duet should be performed in a seemingly effortless whistling or yodelling manner, perhaps even evoking a certain naivete. Keeping in mind that the air varie's purpose was to delight, charm and entertain a broad, inter-generational cross-section of society, good results should come from a precise, but very light touch and plenty of good humour.