Description
Duration 2:00 min
First light,
Touching the farthest reaches of the mountains.
Slowly, the valleys unfold their beauty,
Drenched in the warmth of the sun.
A sight to behold...
The Blue Mountains was penned by composer Sally Greenaway whilst she was living abroad and feeling homesick. It is a miniature 'landscape painting' for orchestra, inspired by the beauty of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia. The piece's opening moments - of lush strings delicately pierced with the harp - portrays the first light touching the tips of this ancient, rugged mountain range. Then, like a gently billowing mist, the music swells into a soaring melody, where the forested valleys and rocky escarpments are fully drenched in the warmth of the sun; the full beauty of the scenery becomes a sight to behold.
Instrumentation
Flute 1 2, Oboe, Cor Anglais, Bb Clarinet 1 2, Bassoon, F Horn 1 2, Bb Trumpet 1 2, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Ride Cymbal, Tubular Bells, Harp/Celeste
Violin 1 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass