Calon Lân

Composer Dan Price reviews Philip Harper's arrangement of this Welsh classic. 

Whether you are an ardent supporter of Rugby Union, a connoisseur of the male voice choir or simply enjoy the vernacular sounds of the valleys, Calon Lân is one of those wonderful hymn tunes that brings the Welshman out in all of us. Philip Harper’s approachable setting of John Hughes’s melody will not disappoint, bringing a poignant moment of reflection to any concert.

The scoring is sparse throughout and the subtle dynamic markings make use of that rich, sonorous quality that only a band can achieve. Odd points may cause some nervousness; primarily solo trombone, which begins the arrangement unaccompanied, but these can be easily worked through. As well as solo trombone, there are also short solo passages for soprano cornet and solo horn.

This would be a good contrasting work to precede a heavy finale. An approachable and effective arrangement suitable for most bands.