Cassette Tape

In the Moravian community of Bethlehem, PA, in the early nineteenth century, Whitmonday (the Monday following Pentecost) came to be celebrated as a general music festival and informal anniversary of the Philharmonic Society of Bethlehem. The inhabitants of the town would gather outdoors, on the banks of the Lehigh River, and enjoy the spring weather, conversation, and music.

David Moritz Michael (1751-1827), who initiated the use of the wind ensemble for the Whitmonday celebration, wrote two suites specifically for this day: Die Wasserfahrt, or “Water Journey,” in 1809, and Suiten Bey einer Quelle zu blasen, or “Suites to Play by a Spring,” presumably in 1810.

This recording of The Water Journey was recorded by Pacific Classical Winds in 1994 and 1995.

Listen to No. 11 Rondo Vivace

Tracks:

The Water Journey

1. No. 1 March
2. No. 2 Andantino
3. No. 3 Menuett
4. No. 4 Allegro
5. No. 5 Adagio
6. No. 6 Presto
7. No. 7 Echo: Allegretto
8. No. 8 Menuett: Allegretto
9. Grave (Zusammenruf)
10. No. 9 Vivace (Retour March)
11. No. 10 Polonese
12. No. 11 Rondo: Vivace
13. No. 12 Adagio
14. Allegretto
15. No. 13 Menuett: Allegreto
16. No. 14 Andante/Allegro/Presto
17. No. 15. Finale: Choral-mässig

a Moravian Music Foundation production