Freedom's Sword

Freedom's Sword tells the tale of battle and reconciliation between two lands, deriving themes from the well-known Scottish song "Ca' the yowes." Horn calls and pounding drums set the tone for the battle scenes while a dreamy alto saxophone solo creates an air of optimism.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3 | Duration: 4:30

Instrumentation
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1/2
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (4 Tom-Toms - 2 players, 2 snare drum, suspended cymbal)
Percussion 2 (4 Tom-Toms - 2 players, snare drum, bass drum)

Program Notes
This work was originally commissioned by Nigel Boddice for the West Lothian Schools Brass Band to play at the European Youth Brass Band Championships in 1997 entitled "Devolution" to celebrate the setting up of the new Scottish Parliament.

It appears in this revised version for Concert Band with the title Freedom's Sword.

The opening section recalls days gone by when the Scots and English fought many a battle. The themes are derived from the well-known haunting song "Ca' the yowes." The horn calls and off-stage percussion sound of a distant battle and it gradually comes closer. The centre section creates a mood of reconciliation with a dreamy Alto Saxophone solo. The last section now looks ahead with optimism and various bright dance themes appear based on traditional Scottish reel tunes, one of which is a two-part vocal scat section The piece then heads for its conclusion including a full statement of the main theme.