Lake Charles Community Band - American Riversongs by Pierre La Plante

American Riversongs by Pierre La Plante
Wisconsin native Pierre La Plante (b. 1943) is an American composer with French-Canadian roots. His works for band have been performed internationally. His approach to composition is informed by his many years teaching both beginning and high school band in Wisconsin. This marvelous work is a moving tribute to an earlier time, when our rivers and other waterways were the lifelines of our growing nation. Featuring Down The River; Shenandoah (Across The Wide Missouri); The Glendy Burk and a delightful Creole bamboula tune. American Riversongs is based on traditional and composed music of an earlier time, when the rivers and waterways were the lifelines of a growing nation. American Riversongs is based on traditional and composed music of an earlier time, when the rivers and waterways were the lifelines of a growing nation.
American Riversongs begins with a rousing setting of “Down the River”, followed by an expansive and dramatic treatment of “Shenandoah” or “Across the Wide Missouri,” as it is sometimes called. After a brief transition, a brass band is heard playing a quadrille-like version of Stephen Foster‘s “The Glendy Burk.” As the “Glendy Burk” travels along, a second theme is introduced by piccolo, flutes and tambourine. The second theme is based on a Creole bamboula tune that probably originated in the Louisiana delta region.