Of Sailors and Whales by Francis McBeth

Published by Southern Music Company
www.southernmusic.com

[@claireb.1012]

I : 0:00 II : 4:45 III : 7:20 IV : 10:05 V : 12:15

[@sheadouglas5531]

To hear this again...After 27 years of not playing it, and to still know the words to Movement 3, has brought me to tears. No words. Dr. Mcbeth = Genius.

[@bull3t791]

playing it this year lol

[@logespi2177]

@@bull3t791 same

[@guitarnoob5396]

Geez I’m playing it for districts next week on French horn and I still don’t know what the words are by heart

[@seanwool]

Who here looked this up because they remember playing it in high school? M5 is a total chops buster for the bones.

[@jessicaswartz2508]

I played this piece under Dr. McBeth himself in Arkansas All-State Band back around 1994-1995. Such a great conductor and composer. I don't think I've ever played a piece by him that I didn't enjoy immensely.

[@m.rockwellparker9162]

We played a McBeth piece in one of the AR all-region bands, and right before we played, the conductor had McBeth stand up from the audience. There was a collective jaw drop in the band. He then came up to us after and was so kind and humble. Great memory.

[@jeremyford3522]

I had the pleasure of performing this and learning it under Dr. McBeth for a whole week at Arkansas Tech University band camp in1990 if my math is right. Seeing him dance around with spindly arms like Queequeg...awesome experience.

[@chriswilks9451]

@@jeremyford3522 We chewed some of the same dirt...I played this at HSU Band Camp My senior year in 1992. Dr. McBeth didn't conduct us, but he did attend the performance. I was 2nd chair tympani so I filled in on other percussion while the first chair worked his ass off. He was about to go to HSU as a music major and the sea battle scene ate his lunch. I've never hit a gong so hard. We had played Masque at my HS before and he wrote some great stuff for percussion.

[@robstevens2831]

@@chriswilks9451 Masque was the first piece of "legit" Concert band music I played in 1977. It's still on my "favorites" list.

[@deniscarranza4143]

The Arkansas All-State Symphonic Band just performed this piece an hour ago. I played piccolo, and it was exhilarating.

[@wardfam07]

This may be my favorite programmatic composition for band to date. I had the privilege of performing it not long after it was published. It's still a great ride. Dr. McBeth gave the band world so many treasures and this is one of the best.

[@AndrewPRoberts]

I just remember playing the Timpani for this one, and MAN was that a good time

[@thorjensen3705]

Hands down the greatest piece of music ever written for the bass drum. Such and adrenaline rush.

[@726BananaX]

+Thor Jensen AMEN!

[@jasonmcbane6431]

i second that

[@Sir.O_the_1st]

and timpani

[@theepicrrotmg7325]

I just watched our Wind Ensemble play this for our spring concert. guy on the bass drum looked like he wanted to fucking destroy it

[@joshM__]

Lotr, a knife in the dark?

[@najae808]

BEST. PERCUSSION. PARTS. EVER.

[@bohdankim381]

Lol You mean rest 90% or play 90% depending on which percussion part you got

[@Ok-cd9gg]

Alleluias by Jared Spears is better for percussion

[@tpnindy]

Played this piece in high school, french horn, many many moons ago. Loved it then & even more so now. Go Horns! :)

[@charliemannion2718]

tpnindy HELL YEAH

[@juleschappell7394]

I played this last year on horn!

[@faithburns224]

Learning it right now for LGPE! I’m in love with it!

[@Clionii]

Occasionally, a friend and I decide to sing the second movement using its own title. It would end up kind of sounding like, "Quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee quee queg."

[@KristinaNorman]

Team Trombones!! Where you at!? Played this circa 2001 at Denver School of the Performing Arts 🎭

[@kueller917]

Played this years ago in high school and on hearing it again I still remember the lyrics to Father Mapple...

[@frankthetank2873]

Im playing this piece rn in high school and its one of my favorite pieces ive played so far i love hearing the clarinet flutes and trumpet parts im a tuba btw

[@Frightning]

Absolutely loved playing this piece on Tuba in college. Mvts 3, 4, and 5 are full of awesome stuff for the Tuba (mvts. 3&4 Tuba parts support quite a lot of unwritten octave doubling in places, btw)

[@5PctJuice]

15:48 I love the trombone/euphonium ostinato. It creates such an awesome effect for the horns and trumpets to build on, not to mention the flute, oboe, clarinet, and xylo counter-melody. The layers in this piece are so amazing

[@emery1057]

McBeth is really good at pairing a picture with how he structured his chord clusters, his orchestration is top notch to say the least

[@Cheesewiz247]

I'm a tenth grader learning this for the first time on trumpet. Wish me luck! Amazing piece by the way.

[@MrAndersonneo88]

I like Ishmael and Ahab. I play alto saxophone, but my favorite piece by this composer is definitely Beowulf.

[@brEZ527]

lol I know I’m 7 years late but same

[@DarkKnight226]

How did it go? I’m a clarinet doing the same you once did

[@inflictionv2952]

I'm playing this in band right now I love it also I'm a trombone

[@DorEnErnil]

I played this in grade 11 or 12. Loved it then, love it now. I may have a copy of the sheet music somewhere.

[@danschunks6345]

One of McBeth’s finest of many superb compositions! The work is so interwoven with the novel in nuance and emotion. I never get tired of hearing or directing it!

[@davidbloss9134]

I had the privilege of playing this piece at an all-Francis McBeth concert February 2019. Dr. McBeth's widow and daughter were in attendance. When they were introduced on the stage, they got an ovation lasting longer than those for any of the music on the program!

[@RosarioGalanteClarinet]

My high school band director told me that we might play this in 2014 (my senior year). I really hope that we do, the last time our band played it was in 1998. I think it's time to play it again.

[@andrewmcfarland7580]

We played this song in my senior year of highschool for our last concert, such a beautiful and intense song, very fun to play on a tuba

[@daddydoughboy2112]

Andrew McFarland It was our last festival piece for my senior year. 1st chair Tuba.

[@andrewmcfarland7580]

Richard McGough I think I was 3rd tuba but the parts were the same

[@andrewmcfarland7580]

Richard McGough I can honestly say that I had never played a more powerful part in a song on tuba except at 14:11

[@Frightning]

@@andrewmcfarland7580 Yes, at that spot the Trombones actually have a written pedal Bb (unison with Tubas). Knowing that, I took the liberty of playing the Tuba's pedal Bb (which I can, with considerable power) there, instead of the written unison with the Trombones. It sounds a bit like there is an Organ with a 32' Contrabombarde playing the Bb if you do that, which is awesome.

[@annabethchase4582]

I played it freshman year as 3rd chair tuba in our wind symphony. I’m a senior as 1st rn but unfortunately coronavirus kinda stole my senior year, and therefore, all of our performances :(

[@5PctJuice]

I played euphonium on this a few years ago. So beautiful.

[@jghogg6570]

Had the honor of playing euphonium on this piece while at Dr. McBeth's Alma Mata (Hardin-Simmons University) under his direction for the Texas Music Educators Association conference back in the 90's. Loved every minute it.

[@tenorsaxplayer77]

End of the first movement, some jack wagon said... “are they done???”

[@Sumac22]

I hear it, nice catch lol

[@markdatton1348]

now im never going to be able to listen to this recording without hearing that

[@yeetstreetUSA]

goddamnit this is the best recording available too and now I can’t unhear it

[@jacksonsdrawingcorner]

I’m playing this for Spring Concert :DDD (Flute 2)

[@tessamoldt7806]

One of the funnest and hardest pieces I've played so far. My band won state last year with this...and one other thing but psh who remembers that

[@Frightning]

Best piece of band literature I've ever had the privilege of performing, love it!

[@lynxsukogena8909]

Going to be playing this piece in the spring. Such a fascinating and gorgeous piece. Our band has less than 50 members. As a trumpet player though, movement 5 is terrifying

[@dylanscott1288]

I remember playing the percussion parts for this my freshman year and it was glorious

[@dannyholman4231]

So glad I got the chance to play this in high school. One of the most fun pieces I've ever performed.

[@alixiagrey4379]

I play contrabass clarinet in this piece and the power this piece radiates with the bass parts is incredible! :) I love it so much!!!

[@noki9127]

This is a great orca-estral piece

[@amymcmillan2009]

I played this piece twice in our high school competition band. Bass clarinet. Loved it.

[@2ndRoman]

This piece and La Mezquita de Cordoba will definitely go down as some of my favorite pieces I’ve ever played

[@georgiagadd1449]

Absolutely Beautiful This Is Love It 🎉❤😊

[@gabiguanci3308]

My band is playing this for Festival in March. I love this song!

[@MicahiLove]

Did ya'll play all of the movements?

[@isaiahaguilar6746]

I'm a 7th grade yosa French horn played it for a concert favorite piece in a letter Long time Queequeg was my favorite part

[@Topempopest]

I remember playing this at a summer music camp. Still one of my favorite band pieces.

[@savannahwise7058]

That chime part at the end of 5 is something else haha

[@AnimeLover4Life3395]

This piece is very fun on Euphonium, playing it for my concert next Friday.

[@AnimeLover4Life3395]

Sadly no :(

[@phoenix95682]

AnimeLover4Life3395 wat. yes there is, in the 2nd movement.

[@memethecat4475]

god this song is awesome, but as a trumpet player, 5th movement kills me every time

[@landongarrison1930]

it the hard that makes it great truly great if it was easy everybody would do it.

[@nickmayer4161]

Same

[@andrewdevall4438]

That burn at the end of a concert can be so satisfying though

[@cheesebag6704]

This is such a funn piece to play. I highly recommend it. Oh yeah yeah

[@citrustoast9762]

Dude our band is doing it and I'm a trumpet. Pray lol

[@annabranson5961]

HRLfishing I was a freshman at the time we played this piece in wind ensemble at cdhs.

[@laptopsaysno]

We played this at the Southern Maine Music Academy in 1992. It was awesome! I play clarinet. Still playing!

[@ImHappy2poo]

Playing this right now in my symphonic band. Up in Cda Idaho. I’m reading bass clarinet but playing contrabass clarinet. Amazing opportunity as a jr in highschool.

[@Wattsini91]

We played this in the Geelong Concert Band last year. AMAZING! Who knew C major could be sooooo warm and not vanilla?

[@drstephenduncan]

Fond memories of Dr. McBeth and his wonderful compositions.

[@DCMiles-so2ev]

The most symphonic band suite I ever had the chance of playing. And we played a LOT of symphony transcriptions at UAM; not every day one gets to play their trombone AND sing in Symphonic Band -- usually had to walk upstairs to do the latter. 😅

[@erynnhierl2474]

Playing this piece right now for my senior year. It's definitely tested the relationship between us and our conductor. Haha but its been a great ride and I can't wait to perform and possibly compete this piece. Francis Macbeth is a genius.

[@najae808]

One of my absolute favorites to perform! Thank you for posting!

[@briantrodden8889]

I uploaded all these. Glad y'all enjoy it!!

[@ledupriest]

I played this in 1998 at the Tennessee All State Band. Incredible piece.

[@KnowledgeJunkie]

Played this is high school, still really enjoy it!

[@wroogny]

this is the third piece in the Florida All-State High School Honor Band. I like this one so far

[@wroogny]

Although I wished the Narrations were here.

[@elenabauer1496]

Synn I was in that band haha

[@austinpauley9055]

Hey so was I! What instruments did you guys play? I was 3rd chair trumpet.

[@kaipakta]

I played timpani on this piece, always got chills down my spine in the first movement, you can guess where!

[@flautist24]

Played this for ct eastern regional many years ago with George Parks conducting. We had a narrator who acted out parts of the story in between the movements, and used our own seagull noises for the beginning and end of the third movement. The fullness of the orchestration and the size of the ensemble made this piece magical.

[@thomassmith2231]

Love this piece. Played several of the auxiliary percussion parts on it at Alabama All-State Honor Band my freshman year of high school.

[@phoenix95682]

California NorCal Honor Band! less gooooo

[@seangoldstone6894]

YOOOOOO I WAS THEREEEE WHAT ISNTRUMENT WERE YOU

[@phoenix95682]

Sean Goldstone Sat to your right m98

[@seangoldstone6894]

DUUUUUUUUUUUDE

[@spunkychunkymonkey]

Doing this as a freshman, love it!

[@cheesebag6704]

Good song. Oh yeah yeah

[@craigj900]

Let's Go Stevensville!!!!!

[@nikkiwillson5841]

This song was definitely my favorite to play in high school. But when we played it, we had six french horns so it sounded waaay better (not that I'm biased or anything since I played the french horn XD)

[@iittssccuurrllyy8083]

Bouta play this for All Regional. So excited! (Trombone)

[@bemmanuelcruz]

Ayyyyyyy, same my dood! In fact, I'm having my concert today around 5 😂😂

[@samridings4525]

I hope your pedal Bb's were loud as ever

[@ashleyhansen6927]

Whoa! Cool! love, two mellow mellies

[@therealtornadosam]

I get the oboe solo for this!

[@calvinvance3399]

I'm playing this in high school it's so cool that the baritone part has the melody mostly throughout the piece and the low brass does too and at 10:35 the low brass line is just baritones in my high school we have 3 baritones including me

[@toxicmusic4149]

I remember when I played this in November 2018. 5th movement almost killed me but it was worth it

[@BillyBob-nq2cb]

Playing this piece for region band it's amazing

[@sillystrings]

Love this piece. Hope I get the chance to play it some day.

[@michellekent8727]

Play the clarinet. My highschool band has a concert tomorrow and is playing this piece, all 5 movements. Incredible.

[@CarolinaFarSide]

me too! even on euph too

[@theblazinggamer8347]

Playing it this year can’t wait

[@quentinm.williams9]

Playing this next year I believe. Along with Blue Shades by Frank Ticheli

[@jonahstek651]

I FINALLY FOUND ONE WITHOUT SONE GUY YAPPING BETWEEN EACH MOVEMENT OR SOME OLD LADY COUGHING IN THR AUDIENCE

[@elijahr_xd]

I like 3:25. It builds up to 3:30 and it sounds amazing!

[@theclarinetdude4258]

My band is pkaying this song for our next concert. Im gonna be playing the Bb and Eb clarinet so im gonna do a lot of switching bewteen instruments and parts

[@MantellanCrux]

Ha! That's three of us!

[@Pitcher88888888]

Amazing

[@reina-yl7tk]

カッコいい！！！

[@ameliamgros]

i’m learning this as a freshmen saxophonist oh no

[@nerrorr6033]

Loved the add at 7:30 wish there were more :)

[@sabrinacapriceheartt]

Omg ptsd on the contrabass clarinet

[@dariam3106]

A different band from the class I’m in is playing this and I’m stepping in to play piano and what the heckity heck is movement IV?

[@cj1lorenz]

it was #3

[@WinginWolf]

This was my last piece played in high school (technically second to last). Fun piece. Being a trombone player... But nobody asked! Like I said, fun piece.

[@BobbyJCFHvLichtenstein]

Movement 2: 4:47 Movement 5: 12:19

[@HRLfishing]

I know this is my band because I recall my band director adding in the 'applause' effect at the end of the piece because of the rowdy people. Central Davidson High School Wind Ensemble played this song.

[@facemash]

Anyone know what group this is?

[@anangryjuicebox2799]

10:33 10:30

[@lordeazebeatz4760]

Hey Guys from SouthernMusic, do you have any e-mail adress?

[@HRLfishing]

I swear this is my band lol

[@user-fn1ch9tp1g]

第5楽章 12:15

[@coln7334]

12:15

[@devincrenshaw4865]

Please anybody!!! What key is movement 4 in? I want to play the woodwind melody in a song

[@ryansears6594]

F Minor, then once it gets quiet again, it’s in G minor. There are a lot of key changes though

[@jjsully678]

When the alto saxophones have to play low B numerous of times throughout the whole piece.....😨 (one of the worst notes on alto saxophone)

[@dglover326]

FlipManiaFan 789 Hello

[@jjsully678]

wake up Hello?

[@dglover326]

FlipManiaFan 789 I know where you live

[@dglover326]

FlipManiaFan 789 Jalen J'Vonne Sullivan

[@machineborg8848]

because that's not disturbing.

[@aristonawitan3034]

I'm not sure how people can enjoy this. I'm sure I am missing something. I am a junior in high school. i personally don't like this song and think it is boring. Could somebody enlighten me as to how this is enjoyable? no offense intended haha I just don't get it

[@cptpheges1028]

It is telling the story of Moby Dick and starts out calm and then goes into the struggle of Ahab Vs. the whale.

[@lornaanderson1459]

*gasp* Boring? This piece is beautiful!! I'm learning it right now, but we're only learning 2, 4, and 5, because my band teacher isn't to fond of 1 and 3 lol. Idk her actual reason, but that's what she told us.

[@aristonawitan3034]

haha! I guess it isn't my taste. I'm more of a John Williams "March from 1941" guy haha

[@lornaanderson1459]

+Ariston Awitan ah John Williams music is good.

[@cptpheges1028]

Not doing 3 or 1? Those are the best movements because 1 has so many effects that add to the peace before the whale and 3 has the most impact on an audience since it shows you can't only play music, but also sing .