HOLST, March, from Suite No 2, youth orchestra

The "Second Suite in F for Military Band" by Gustav Holst is his second suite for wind band. Unlike the three-movement first suite, it consists of four movements.
During his early years as a composer, like others at the time, he was interested in folklore and wrote many pieces based on folk music. Seven traditional melodies are included in the four movements of his second suite. The 1st movement "March" contains the sections: Morris dance (to the tune "Glorishears"), Swansea Town, Claudy Banks and is constructed in typical A-B-A form.
The tutti introductory march theme is followed by a section with the second melody "Swansea Town" played by solo brass. The trio ("Claudy Banks") is sounded in the unconventional minor subdominant of B-flat minor and changes time signature to 6/8, played in the low woodwinds, then followed by a da capo of the first section. All in all, a cheerfully animating piece that your orchestra will surely enjoy playing!  1.) 0:00      2.) 0:50      3.) 2:12