On The Trail by Ferde Grofé Woodwind Quintet - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.937290

Wind Quintet (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon)

On the Trail is the third movement from Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite, written between 1929 and 1931; published in 1932. It has since become one of the most popular American musical works of the twentieth century, with On the Trail being the most well-known movement. It portrays a cowboy and his burro (donkey) sauntering through the Grand Canyon, coming across an oasis and a lonely cabin where they hear a music box playing, before continuing their journey. All this is portrayed in the music, including the braying sound of the donkey, its clip-clopping along and the cowboy singing a relaxed Western style song.

This lovely and fun arrangement for wind quintet remains faithful to the original; retaining its structure, key and, where possible, its instrumentation. The only section omitted is the violin cadenza. The original orchestral work includes clarinets in Bb. This arrangement is also written for Bb clarinet but an alternative clarinet in A part is included, which is more suited to the key of the work.

This is an ideal recital piece for either formal or informal concert settings. It is also suitable for any American or Western themed celebration or event.

Duration - just over 6 minutes

Score - 33 pages, Parts - 23 pages, Cover and programme notes - 3 pages.