The Wind in the Willows
Score & Parts
by Johan De Meij
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert Band - Grade 4

SKU: HL.4000169

Score & Parts. Composed by Johan De Meij. Amstel Music. Concert. Set (Score & Parts). Composed 2002. Amstel Music #AM72010. Published by Amstel Music (HL.4000169).

UPC: 073999217896. 10.75x14 inches.

A book for those who keep the spirit of youth alive in them; of life, sunshine, running water, woodlands, dusty roads, winter firesides said author Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) about his children's book The Wind in the Willows. Initially, he wrote the stories about Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to read to his visually handicapped son Alistair, but after the publication in book form in 1908, it became a worldwide success. It was later also turned into a film and a television series. What appealed ti the composer most is the friendly, very cosy atmosphere that Grahame has managed to create with his optimistic narrative style full of high spirits, an atmosphere that reminds thecomposer of his own carefree youth. It was therefore a great pleasure to set this book to music! The four movements successively describe:I) The River- The river, which flows through the habitat of the animals like a lifeline, regularly is the scene of pleasant boat trips and picnics. The animals lead their untroubled lives here. The four-tone main motif [A-C-D-C] is extensively presented by the brass section, and returns in the following movements as a countermelody. II) Ratty and Mole -The bright, energetic Rat and the melancholy doubter Mole are inseparable friends and have many adventures. Their opposite characters are illustrated by separate musical themes. III) Mister Toad - The wilful, haughty Mister Toad is indeed a unique case: time after time, he runs into tricky situations, and with his indomitable passion for fast - preferably stolen - cars he causes quite a lot of damage...IV) The Return of UlyssesAfter Toad Hall, the majestic residence of Mister Toad, is recovered from the weasels and stoats of the Wild Wood, who had captured the estate in a cowardly way, our friends get ready for a banquet. They celebrate the victory with a triumphant parade, and so both the book and the music conclude with a happy ending.

Ein Buch fur alle, die den Geist der Jugend in sich bewahrt haben beschrieb der Autor Kenneth Grahame sein auf der ganzen Welt bekanntes Kinderbuch Der Wind in den Weiden. Johan de Meij setzte die ruhrende Geschichte um Ratte, Maulwurf, Krote und Dachs nun getreu diesem Motto in ein Werk in vier Satzen fur Blasorchester um. Die ersten drei Satze erwecken den Fluss, den Schauplatz der Handlung, und die vier Hauptfiguren in phantasievollen und kontrastreichen musikalischen Bildern zum Leben - im letzen Satz wird dann in einer triumphalen Parade das Happy End von Buch und Musik gefeiert.