Composer’s Notes

 

Chamber Orchestra, Grade 4

Duration: 5:30

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Alice Benedict Goodridge’s Maine was published in 1924, and set to the words of Lester Hart’s beloved 1919 poem of the same title. Born in 1902 and raised in Augusta, Maine, Alice maintained a high reputation for her musical skills. She danced in the local recitals held at Augusta City Hall. Additionally, she was a talented pianist, accompanying local dance schools. Most notably, Alice was a composer. She wrote several dance tunes and marches, one of which was said to have been highly complimented by John Philip Sousa.

My aim in arranging Alice’s Maine for orchestra, first and foremost, was to maintain her gentle and proud melodic line. Elements of it are scattered and imitated throughout, even in the contrasting middle section.

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Instrumentation

​Flute

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

Horn 1

Horn 2

Violin 1

Violin 2

Viola

Cello

Contrabass