Stephen Collins Foster

Songs of the South

This short three-movement work includes arrangements of three famous Stephen Foster melodies that portray scenes of 19th century life in the Deep South. The first movement, Old Folks at Home (Swanee River), is cleverly scored with optional sand blocks to suggest the soft-shoe dance commonly associated with this song. The second movement, Gentle Annie, mourns a departed loved one in a beautiful and lyrical melody. The final movement, Nelly Bly, is lighthearted and full of drive and energy. An excellent piece for concert or festival, and well within the grasp of medium-level orchestras.