Civil War Songs: Conductor Score & Parts

Nostalgic and accessible, grounded in recognizable 19th-century melodies that audiences connect with immediately. The piece moves from the plaintive warmth of 'Aura Lee' into the spirited lift of 'Dixie,' offering contrasting emotional terrain that keeps performers and listeners engaged.

Woodwind trio directors preparing for concert or contest performance. Players at the intermediate level who have secure technique and can execute both sustained legato lines and articulated staccato-marcato passages with control.

• Shape 'Aura Lee' with long phrases and consistent air support through sustained passages; legato doesn't mean slow, so maintain forward momentum even at a moderate tempo.
• Balance staccato-marcato articulation in 'Dixie' so each note remains distinct without sounding choppy; emphasize the light character by keeping dynamics controlled and bouncing slightly on the attack.
• Blend across the trio by having oboe and clarinet listen closely to the flute's phrasing as a guidepost in the legato sections.
• Mark your own practice parts with dynamics and articulation reminders at the rehearsal mark transitions to ensure the shift from 'Aura Lee' to 'Dixie' lands cleanly.

Pair this on a recital program with one serious modern trio to showcase your ensemble's range. The historical material and clear contrasts also make it suitable for educational concerts where you want to highlight articulation and phrasing work alongside familiar repertoire.

• Legato phrasing and shaping sustained melodic lines
• Staccato-marcato articulation with rhythmic precision
• Contrasting articulation styles within a single piece
• Ensemble balance and blend across three voices
• Dynamic control at different tempi and characters