Parker Boulevard wind 5tet BW

Scored for Wind Quintet ~ flute • oboe • clarinet in Bb • horn in F • bassoon ~

A boulevard at lunchtime in a city. A streetband appears, playing a lively piece. A beggar and his dog are sleeping on the pavement The dog wakes up and ignores the band but his attention is drawn to an organ grinder playing a sad song in another part of the street. He goes to investigate but soon gets bored, returns to his owner and falls asleep again. Further along the street two ladies are having lunch and are having a serious conversation about their children, their husbands and the results of an expensive but triumphant morning spent in the shops. The organ grinder is still playing his sad melody but appears to be having respiratory trouble. This gets progressively worse until finally he expires on the pavement and departs to the great organ grinders’ convention in the sky. There is consternation and sadness from the assembled crowd but life goes on. The band strikes up a fast number with a Latin beat and a hat is passed round for contributions. The crowd is generous with its applause but is suddenly afflicted with myopia and deafness when asked for money.

... Street Band • The Beggars Dog • Ladies At Lunch • Death of an Organ Grinder • Three Cheers for the Band

"... The name Jim Parker is synonymous with brass bands and television show themes; the composer was responsible for the catchy ditties for the likes of Ground Force and Midsummer Murders. Parker is also no rookie when it comes to composiing for wind ensemble - his Mississippi Five is a truly fine work. Boulevard is an exciting and rewarding work of programme music, with a sound understanding of the ensemble. The witty and detailed scenario evokes - whether intentional or not by the composer - the market scene from Stravinsky's Petrushka." Reviewed 'Music Teacher'