10104 Shepherds Farewell

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)

arranged by Roger Harvey

10-piece brass ensemble

Difficulty: Easy

Price: £22.50

Programme note:
The Shepherd's Farewell was originally written as an organ piece in 1850 but such was it's success that he turned it into a chorus and incorporated into a short choral work depicting the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt. This in turn grew into a 3 part Oratorio L'Enfance du Christ by 1854.
The chorus is the central number in the 2nd part of the oratoria and in it the shepherd's bid the family farewell as they leave to avoid the wrath of King Herod.
This version also features the opening of the 3rd movement of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, Scene in the country with its shepherd's pipes calling to one another.

Performance note:
The answering shepherd's call may be played offstage if convenient or muted.
Once the chorus starts play very cantabile throughout. Phrase as marked but ensure that all crescendos and diminuendos are smoothly accomplished.