By a Spring – by David Moritz Michael

Description

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: the 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 By A Spring was recorded by Pacific Classical Winds in 1995 and 1998.

Music Sample

Tracks:

Intro & Pars 1

1. Introduction
2. I Allegro Moderato
3. II Andante
4. III Menuetto
5. IV Presto

Pars 2

6. I Pastorale
7. II Menuetto
8. III Arioso
9. IV Presto

Pars 3

10. I Allegro Moderato
11. II Menuett
12. III Adagio
13. IV Presto
14. Moderato

Parthia 3

15. I Grave, Allegro
16. II Andante
17. III Allegro

Parthia 4

18. I Allegro
19. II Andante
20. III Presto

Parthia 5

21. I Allegro
22. II Andante
23. III Menuetto Allegretto
24. IV Allegro