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Download a PDF file of the choral score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.
Commissioned by the Lexington Pops Chorus in honor of the 30th year of their existence and the 300th Anniversary of the town of Lexington, Massachusetts.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," tells the story of the colonial American patriot who rides on horseback to rally his Massachusetts neighbors against the British militia. The route which the British are taking is relayed to Paul Revere by his friend in Boston, watching the army's movements and then hanging signal lanterns in the belfry of Old North Church."One if by land, and two if by sea."
The musical setting endeavors to capture the energy of horse and rider. Therefore, "galloping" rhythms are often heard in the piano accompaniment. As Paul Revere rides through the New England towns, the pace of the music quickens - Medford, Lexington and Concord. "So through the night rode Paul Revere." He keeps in mind his plan and his message: "One if by land, two if by sea. Arise! Defend our Liberty!"
Gwyneth Walker's ancestors came to New England in 1635, and Paul Revere is a distant relative.
Notes by the composer
In m. 13, the grace-notes octave A's should preface a low A, not a C.
In m. 204, the word should be "blank" instead of "black"
In m. 236, it should be octave D's (no B in there)
In m. 239, again, octave D's precede the low D.