Among those works written in conscious imitation of folk-style, Colonial Song is perhaps the finest, and may well be the most well-crafted of any of his original works. The musical material of Colonial Song dates from the year 1905, but was not put into final form until 1912-13 (scored for military band in 1918). [Grainger’s] duty with the U.S. Army band stationed at Fort Hamilton [during World War I] brought him for the first time into intimate, daily contact with wind bands. From this time forward, bands and ensembles of wind instruments increasingly became one of the primary focuses of his creative energies. In fairly rapid succession, he produced wind-band settings of several of his most popular works: Irish Tune from County Derry, Shepard’s Hey, and “The Gum-Suckers" March, with others to follow in later years.
Program note provided by the editor, R. Mark Rogers
No traditional tunes of any kind are made use of in this piece, in which I have wished to express feelings aroused by thoughts of the scenery and people of my native land (Australia), and also to voice a certain kind of emotion that seems to me not untypical of native-born Colonials in general.
Program note provided by the composer
Percy Grainger was an Australian composer born in Brighton, Melbourne on July 8th, 1882. While known for his unique orchestrations and equally unique personal beliefs, Grainger is primarily considered among the most instrumental in sparking the popularity of the wind band and its repertoire leading into the modern era. While not entirely based on any particular folk song in recorded history, Colonial Song is hailed as one of the finest works of, not only Grainger’s career, but among the entire subgenre of orchestral pieces in the folk style. It was this masterful interpretation of folk music that convinced the likes of composer Benjamin Britten to claim that Grainger was his “master” in the art of orchestrating folk music.
Program note researched and written by Cameron Wilson