Shepherd's Hey


Composer:	P.A. Grainger	Suppliers:
Editor:	Brian Bonsor	Trio	D/A/T/Piano
Publisher:	Schott & Co. Ltd.	Publication:	Schott RMS 1174

"Shepherd's Hey" by my famous namesake (we are not related) was one of the first five works which I selected for use by the Klingende Runde für jung und alt in 1981. I must admit at the time of purchase I was very much struck by the red, white and blue design and seeing "my" name on its front page - it was sold without even taking a glance inside!
Be all that it may, "Shepherd's Hey" was well-known to me as a tune and I was intrigued about this recorder version by Brian Bonsor. As it turned out, having tried it with almost every group in which I have played, it is not at all easy as a very good descant voice is required. I cobbled together bass part from the piano bass line which seemed to work. One day, yes, one day, perhaps in that great recorder playing arena in the sky, I will hear or play (even better) it by or with a competent, sympathetic consort.