Hello:

Does anyone know of an up-tempo and/or rhythmic piece about a swan? We are performing Hindemith's "Un Cygne" and Gibbons "The Silver Swan." I was hoping to add a third "swan song" but need something in contrast to these two.

Any ideas?

--
Stephen M. Hopkins
Director of Choral Activities
Hayes School of Music
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
email: hopkinssm(a)appstate.edu

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Hello:

Here are the suggestions for more up-tempo/rhythmic pieces having to do
with swans. Some suggested other fowl as well.

Arcadelt's Il bianco e dolce cigno

"The Goslings" by Frederick Bridge is funny and upbeat.

What about a piece generally about birds, such as Janequin's Chants des
Oiseaux?

Kirke Mechem has written a humourous double catch, "Lament For a Choral
Conductor" which is based on the Gibbons and uses some of the lyrics as
well.

"A la Swan" (jazz arrangement of Swan Lake theme set to a fast bossanova).

di Lasso - The Big Fat Goose

Alexander Tilley's setting of "The Silver Swan" (not up-tempo, but
rhythmic) for SSAB & piano, Boosey &Hawkes.

Not really up-tempo or rhythmic, but I think still sufficiently
different: Stephen Leek's arrangement of the Torres Strait Island
folksong "Black Swana", SATB & piano, Morton Music. (text is in Kriol)

"The White and Gentle Swan"-- Vecchi (?).

Possibly a stretch, but the Carmina Burana mvt. about roasting a swan.

--
Stephen M. Hopkins
Director of Choral Activities
Hayes School of Music
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
email: hopkinssm(a)appstate.edu