JSC I WONDER AS I WANDER-ANDREW BLYTH

This charming melody (mostly in the minor key with minor intervals and unfinished cadences) married with beautiful words makes this carol one of the most plaintive within the Christmas repertoire. A good positive start from the soloist, and then accompanying band, is essential, but with a plain and thoughtful feel. Ensure a warm sound from the ensemble through the piece. Five bars before D will need a good balance within the Cornets, whilst the muffled Bass Drum 'tread' should be kept in the background. There is room for some rubato throughout the piece but let the music flow and do not lose tempo.

Program note

'I wonder as I wander' (N.C.P. 39) was originally collected from North Carolina by a leading American folksong collector called John Jacob Niles (1892-1980). It is said that he paid a young traveling evangelist, Annie Morgan, 25cents and hour to sing the song until he had memorized it! It is often referred to as a traditional Appalachian carol, but it is unclear just how old the melody is.

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Produced by The Salvation Army, SP&S, UK