AIES Fantasia on Motherless Child GR 4 solo for Eb/F instrument (Stephen Bulla)

• Grade 4
• Composer: Stephen Bulla
• Solo for Eb/F instrument
• Approximate duration: 3:15

Program Note
Providing a showcase for Horn soloist, the music is set in the A-B-A form. The lively outer sections are based thematically on the slower, richer middle section. In this expressive part of the music the well-known spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" is featured.

Note to the Conductor
Establishing the opening pulse, in two, will lay the foundation for the majority of this "mini fantasia" based on fragments of the central tune. Clarity of articulation (i.e. bars 7-8) will provide the excitement and ensemble precision that supports the soloist throughout. Follow metronome directive.

It is always good to be aware of balance challenges. When the soloist is playing, the ensemble (functioning as accompaniment) should appropriately adjust to a relative dynamic.

The change of tempo at measure 42 is marked "molto rall" for a dramatic slowing in the short space of two bars. The new tempo (bar 44) is self-explanatory and should keep a sense of forward motion without dragging. A subtle swing inflection is appropriate here, playing off the triplets and light grace notes in the soloist part. Again, the tempo transition (bar 60) should be immediate and really stretched out to set up the return to Tempo I (a bar 61).