Barry E. Kopetz

Fantasia on a Theme from "The Southern Harmony"

Warm, emotional, and harmonically rich, the lovely tune Ballerma comes from the shaped note book of hymns entitled The Southern Harmony and is similar to the well-known hymn Amazing Grace. Its the perfect subject for the collection of colorful and creative fantasies that make up this work. After an initial presentation, the melody is used in a series of contrasting treatments, the first being flippant and humorous. The next is simple and childlike, featuring a delicate percussion ensemble, clarinet ensemble or combination of both. The final fantasy incessantly drives the music forward, releasing pent-up energy along the way to the thrilling conclusion.