The Wayfaring Stranger

Based on the American folk song “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”, this work for euphonium and band is a movement from “The American Folk Odyssey”, a suite for various soloists and concert band. Beginning with a mysterious and lyrical statement of the haunting melody, the piece quickly transitions to the high seas in homage to the early Americans that journeyed by ship to the American continent. The sea chanty setting provides technically rich and effective environment to feature the euphonium with full band interaction while engaging the audience. Following a virtuosic cadenza, the movement concludes in a powerful musical flurry leaving the soloist, band and audience breathless!