Waterfalls

This very lovely and pensive tune features recorders playing the notes B, A, and G. As far as the notes and rhythm are concerned, this is a relatively easy piece for your recorder players. However, there are a couple of subtle ritardandos and dynamic markings that could provide a nice challenge. Note that at the end of the piece, while the piano is doing its waterfall-like glissando for two bars, your players will need to listen for the cymbal taps in the recorded accompaniment. The first three taps count off the bar before they play measure 62. Then they'll hear three more cymbal taps, which indicate when they should play measures 63 and 64. Once they've heard this a number of times and become familiar with it, it will feel very natural. Of course, if you're doing a live performance, this could all be conducted. A playable piano part is available on our web site.

The recorded accompaniment features a piano, guitar, fretless bass, strings, wind chimes, and rainstick. The last two could also be performed by your students if you have those (or similar) instruments available. It's indicated on the score when they play.

If you're interested in providing a brief music appreciation lesson, this piece is an excellent example of "programmatic" music. Programmatic music, versus abstract or absolute music, tends to carry some sort of extra meaning or idea like a scenic description, personal drama, legend, etc. In this case, the music is intending to conjure up images of beautiful, cascading waterfalls.