Mid All The Traffic - Leonard Ballantine

[@charlescreegan6164]

No offence to the band, who play well. But Mr Ballantine cannot be called the composer of this, he is merely an arranger. He has taken the melody directly from the traditional shanty/folk song "Oh Shenandoah". This brass arrangement seems to have worldwide distribution amongst military-ish brass bands. Doubtless the tune isn't copyright but that doesn't excuse it. Should be at least credited.

[@davidbudding5836]

It does not say that Ballantine is the composer although you have jumped to that conclusion. Everyone knows what this music is.If you had the music which is published in the Salvation Army General Series you would realise that it does say he is the arranger. Len Ballantine has arranged many fine pieces of music of which this is one.

[@charlescreegan6164]

I don't doubt the sheet music says he is the arranger, and he's a fine arranger. But typically, as with the description of this video and in several concert programs I've seen, this distinction isn't made - where with other music it is. Also slightly odd that he has chosen to give a new title - perhaps to assert copyright on the arrangement? Where I happen to live, is well within the reach of the Salvation Army, but not everyone here does know American traditional music. I guess I'm just a bit OCD about these things.

[@KDSBSop]

@@charlescreegan6164 It is setting of the hymn 'Mid All the Traffic of the Ways" to the tune of Shenandoah (normally St Agnes - Dykes). See kzbin.info/www/bejne/joeQiKl3eMlgoc0si=L9mH-9UobQaNoQFL. Which ever way you look at it, it is a beautiful arrangement and a pleasure to play.