Broom o' the Cowdenknowes, The (Full or String Orchestra Gr. 3)

The Broom O’ the Cowdenknowes, also known as “Bonny May,” is a traditional Scottish ballad who’s origin is unknown, but is traced to the seventeenth century. This vibrant arrangement can be played by either full or string orchestra.

Genre: Full or String Orchestra | # of Players: 8-8-5-5-5
Series: Emerald Orchestra Series
Level: 3 | Duration: 3:10

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score

Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone (optional)

B-flat Trumpet
F Horn
Trombone
Tuba

Timpani (3 drums)
Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal
Bass Drum

Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Contrabass

Program Notes
The Broom O’ the Cowdenknowes, also known as “Bonny May,” is a traditional Scottish ballad whose origin is unknown, but is traced to the seventeenth century. The first publication of the tune is found in 1651. It tells the story of a young shepherdess who falls in love with a passing stranger. Upon becoming pregnant, she is banished from her country. She later sets out to find her love and discovers him to now be a wealthy lord. They marry, but she never finds happiness away from her home country. She longs for her native countryside with its beautiful broom, a plentiful blooming shrub with golden petals.