Instrument: wind quintet score and parts
Grade: slightly difficult
Catalogue No: 3603
ISMN No: 9790570275458
"The Bird Fancyer's Delight" was first published in 1717 in America as an instruction manual for the teaching of singing to caged birds using the then popular flageolet. I have used some of the tunes in this beguiling collection as material for the dialogue between the players.
The musical themes are taught and learnt quickly in this piece but in this fast moving age one can only marvel at the patience of the flageolet player of early eighteenth century America.
With thanks to Michael Christie for his valuable editorial input,
Jeffery Wilson
... For the Bullfinch • Skylark – Now the Linnet • See the Canary Bird • Woodlark and Starling to Finish
"...On first appearances, The Bird Fancyer's Delight seems to be merely an obscure curio addition to the wind ensemble repertoire. It is based on an eighteenth century manual for teaching caged birds to sing by playing bird-song on the flageolet - my curiosity was piqued, but optimism sorely lagging. But what a treat this inventive work emerges to be! Where lesser composers would have fallen into the trap of attempting to imitate bird-song master Messiaen, Wilson stamps his own style through the five movements of the work. Jazz elements are seamlessly incorporated into the beautifully crafted lines passed throughout the ensemble. The parts are intelligently voiced and individually crafted for the instruments. This will make a very welcome and unique addition to any wind ensemble's repertoire. Well done Mr Wilson!" Reviewed ' Music Teacher'
