Point Lookout (A Fantasy on Civil War Songs)

Point Lookout (A Fantasy on Civil War Songs) by Brian Balmages. For orchestra. FJH String Orchestra. Full set (score and parts). Score only also available: ST6134S. Grade 4.5. Score and set of parts. Composed 2007. Published by The FJH Music Company Inc (FJ.ST6134).

Point Lookout State Park is located on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River in St. Mary's County, Maryland. It has a very rich history, including a great tie to the American Civil War. The Point became a holding place for Confederate prisoners, and from 1863-1865 nearly 50,000 men were held captive. There are still remnants of Fort Lincoln, which served as a Civil War fortification. A group known as The Friends of Point Lookout have helped to restore various structures, such as the barracks, officer quarters, and even a portion of the prison pen. They hold several historic programs and demonstrations throughout the year. Point Lookout was commissioned with a grant received by the Calvert and Patuxent High School Orchestras (Cheryl Blockland, director) and was premiered by the Calvert County High School Honors Orchestra.

Several songs are used in this fantasy. The dark opening and subsequent section is based on The Battle Cry of Freedom by George Frederic Root. The work then moves into a unique and sensitive setting of Battle Hymn of the Republic. As this section develops, a hint of America, the Beautiful is heard, a solemn tribute to the many costly battles that have brought us to the present. The final section is based on When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again, another famous song of the Civil War era. As this section continues to build furiously, a powerful, more complete statement of America, the Beautiful returns to unify the entire work.

About FJH String Orchestra

More emphasis on bow technique and independence of lines. For the accomplished middle, high school, college, or professional group. Grade 3 and up