SKU: A0.944033

Composer’s Note: Enchanted Landscapes was commissioned by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic in recognition of the Association’s 90th  Anniversary. Inspired by the theme of America the Beautiful, I decided to portray the actual beauty of the land, rather than to use Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel Ward's famous song as a musical reference. Thus, Enchanted Landscapes was composed as a single-movement Symphonic Poem,  which transforms various visual elements of our magical views into an audible experience. The main melody is vast; Spanning over 30 measures, it conveys the feeling of spaciousness. Then, the same long melody repeats in a different, higher key. The middle part of the composition presents a fanfare-like theme, which builds up through both dynamics and polyphonic means. This section, dominated mainly by the brass and wind instruments, brings in a sense of drama, mystery, and purple mountain majesties. Finally, the use of Melodica sound in the otherwise traditional orchestration, adds a feeling of nostalgia and longing to the pure and proud landscape that watches upon us constantly, and connects us with the earth, with nature, and with ourselves.

SCORING INFORMATION: fl. (2),  ob. (2), Eng. hn., cl. in b-flat (2), bass cl. (in b-flat), Trp. (2), Fr. hn. (2), Tbn (2), Tuba, Perc (2) Melodica (or Accord.), Harp, strings.

Total Duration: 11 min.

Performance material by rental only! For demo recording, questions, or any additional information please e-mail Ofer Ben-Amots at: thecomposerspress@gmail.com

SKU: A0.750976

America the Beautiful is an American patriotic song. The lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates, and the music was composed by church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey. The two never met. Bates originally wrote the words as a poem, Pikes Peak, first published in the Fourth of July edition of the church periodical The Congregationalist in 1895. At that time, the poem was titled America for publication. Ward had originally written the music, Materna, for the hymn O Mother dear, Jerusalem in 1882, though it was not first published until 1892. Ward's music combined with the Bates poem was first published in 1910 and titled America the Beautiful. The song is one of the most popular of the many U.S. patriotic songs. [Wikipedia]

It has been arranged here for Concert Band [Key of Bb]. There is also an optional Piano Part (Not shown on the score) and well as Optional String Parts (Not shown on the score) for an orchestral arrangement. There are parts for Descant Trumpet and Horn in F in the last verse (the 3rd verse in the MP3 recording).

The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer 3 - There are 3 verses:

1. Clarinets only then Flutes and Saxophones successively added during this 1st verse

2. All Brass and Percussion added for the 2nd verse.

3. Full Band with the Descant line played by a Solo Trumpet and Solo F Horn in the 3rd verse

Grade = 2.5 Duration = 2:28 mins (3 verses)

SKU: A0.1487700

This piece was arranged specifically for community bands, with a solo trumpet entrance followed by a second verse that features the woodwinds. The third verse develops from a key change into a rousing finale.

SKU: A0.750970

America the Beautiful is an American patriotic song. The lyrics were written by Katharine Lee Bates, and the music was composed by church organist and choirmaster Samuel A. Ward at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey. The two never met. Bates originally wrote the words as a poem, Pikes Peak, first published in the Fourth of July edition of the church periodical The Congregationalist in 1895. At that time, the poem was titled America for publication. Ward had originally written the music, Materna, for the hymn O Mother dear, Jerusalem in 1882, though it was not first published until 1892. Ward's music combined with the Bates poem was first published in 1910 and titled America the Beautiful. The song is one of the most popular of the many U.S. patriotic songs. [Wikipedia]

It has been arranged here for a Clarinet Quartet [Key of Bb] including parts for Alto Clarinet (Doubling Part 3) and Bass Clarinet. There is also an optional Piano Part (Not shown on the score).

The MP3 was recorded with NotePerformer 3.

Grade = 2.5 Duration = 1:40 mins (2 verses)

SKU: A0.1463363

America the Beautiful is probably the most popular of American patriotic songs. The melody was composed in 1882 by Samuel A. Ward - an organist and choirmaster - as the basis for a hymn. The lyrics are actually a poem - originally titled Pike's Peak - published in 1895 by Katharine Lee Bates. The two never met. Amazing. Simply amazing and inspirational. This arrangement for Violin & Cello begins simply, softly and understated with the melody in the treble part and a close harmony by the cello in the alto/tenor range. The second verse brings the melody to the cello, while the violin soars high above with an obbligato descant. The third verse is grandiose, with the meoldy raised up an octave, accompanied by arpeggiated chordal harmonies. The extended ending decrescendos to a simple, muted finish.