Children's March: Over the Hills and Far Away

"Children's March: Over the Hills and Far Away" was written by Percy Grainger as his first original work for band.^[1]

It was originally written between 1916 and 1918 as a piano showpiece for World War I relief efforts.^[2] However, after enlisting as a bandsman in the United States Army, he quickly orchestrated it for the 15th Coast Artillery Band stationed at Fort Hamilton. However, Grainger was discharged in January 1919 before he had a chance to play the piece with the band. The premiere of the piece occurred 6 June 1919 at Columbia University with the Goldman Band, Ralph Leopold on the piano, and Grainger conducting.^[3] An arrangement by Grainger for two pianos was later published in 1920 after a performance by Leopold and Grainger for the Red Cross on 2 December 1919.^[4]

The title is a reference to Over the Hills and Far Away by Frederick Delius, who was a close friend of Grainger.^[5]

Versions

• Solo piano
• Two pianos, four hands
• Military band scored for:
  • Woodwinds:
    E♭ Clarinet; Solo B♭ Clarinet; 1st, 2nd and 3rd B♭ Clarinets; Alto Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; 1st and 2nd Bassoons; Soprano Saxophone; Alto Saxophone; Tenor Saxophone; Baritone Saxophone; Bass Saxophone
  • Brass: Solo B♭
    Contrabass Sarrusophone
    ad lib.
  • Percussion: Snare Drum; Bass Drum; Cymbals; Gong; Woodblock; Tambourine; Castanets; Timpani in C and F; Glockenspiel; Xylophone
  • Piano (ad lib.)

References