[dohertyjazz]

I wrote a research paper on Percy Grainger last fall. He is an extremely interesting character. A few interesting tidbits...

One of the best parts about playing Grainger is the instructions in English: crescendo poco a poco becomes "Louden bit by bit"
ff becomes "well to the fore"

There is actually a reason he did this. From wikipedia:

...he was a cheerful believer in the racial superiority of blond-haired and blue-eyed northern Europeans. This led to attempts, in his letters and musical manuscripts, to use only what he called "blue-eyed English" (akin to Anglish and the 'Pure English' of Dorset poet William Barnes) which expunged all foreign (i.e. non-Germanic) influences. Thus many Grainger scores use words such as "louden," "soften," and "holding back" in place of standard Italian musical terms such as "crescendo," "diminuendo," and "meno mosso."

If memory serves, he addresses the use of english directions in the notes of his score for "Lincolnshire Posy."

He was also the first to respond to Frederick Fennell letters requesting more literature to be written for wind ensemble.

Personally, I think "Horkstow Grange" is one of the most beautiful pieces written for wind ensemble. I must've listened to it 40+ times when I was doing my research.

His saxophone parts are downright fun to play also!