Dating from the 1600s, the folk song O Waly, Waly (commonly known as TheWater is Wide) forms the basis for this well-crafted rhapsody for band. The lyrical opening section features solos on flute and euphonium, as a four-note motif common to this song and also Carolina (South Caroline's official song) is developed. This motif unifies the entire work. A Celt ic flavored Allegro takes over using this fragment, which leads ultimately to a grand Maestoso section for the entire ensemble. A creative and dynamic work for contest or festival!
