Kilkenny Rhapsody Kees Vlak

A rhapsody is defined as a folkloric, narrative piece. Kees Vlak takes this concept even further in his Kilkenny Rhapsody, aiming not only to capture the spirit of the people and the land but also to musically depict geographical features.

Ireland is truly a treasure trove for a rhapsodic approach. In addition to romantic melodies like The Foggy Day or The Gentle Maiden, traditional dances such as the jig, reel, and hornpipe often shaped by the sound of flutes and snare drums offer wonderful musical possibilities.

Out of dense fog, the Emerald Isle Éire, as the Irish lovingly call their homeland slowly emerges.
What follows is a sequence of songs and dances of unmistakably Celtic origin, ultimately building to a powerful climax. The fog returns: the theme of a dance quietly echoes in the distance.
Kilkenny Rhapsody ends with one of those melancholy Irish airs so often heard in the cozy atmosphere of Irish pubs.

BDMV Self-Selection List: Literature Recommendations for Concert Band Competitions
Grade 3 Wind Band (Harmonie): Approved piece for the Swiss Wind Band Association (SBV)