The Heart's Cry (from Riverdance): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Bill Whelan / Arranged by Sean O'Loughlin
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00303536
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Description
The music and spectacle of Bill Whelan's "Riverdance" forever changed how we look at Celtic music. "The Heart's Cry" is one of the most magical and lush ballads from the production, beautifully scored here for winds by Sean O'Loughlin. The opening solo flute statement is answered by the ensemble in chorale style with the distinctive and close harmonies of the original.
Dur: 2:20
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00303536
More about this title
About the Artist: Bill Whelan
Bill Whelan is an Irish composer and musician best known for creating the score to Riverdance, the theatrical phenomenon that redefined global perceptions of Irish dance and music in the 1990s. His work blends traditional Celtic idioms with contemporary orchestral textures, creating soundscapes that honor folk traditions while reaching audiences far beyond Ireland's borders. Whelan's compositions for stage and concert have earned him recognition as a major voice in bringing Celtic music into the modern concert hall.
Why we love this
Sean O'Loughlin's concert band arrangement captures the emotional core of Whelan's original without losing the lush, layered quality that makes the piece so compelling. At Grade 3, it's genuinely accessible to developing ensembles, yet the close harmonies and sustained melodic writing demand real musicality and breath control. This is the kind of piece that reminds students why they're learning an instrument.
What to expect
A moment of quiet reflection after celebration. The piece breathes with sustained, singing lines that feel intimate despite being voiced for full ensemble. There's an almost hymn-like quality to the harmonic language that invites the listener into something deeply felt.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 3 level who want to program something lyrical and emotionally mature without stepping into advanced technical territory. It works equally well for groups new to arranging the Irish repertoire and those looking to expand beyond traditional Celtic band fare.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening flute solo with legit vibrato and a singing tone; this is the heart of the piece, so let your best flutist set the emotional temperature for everything that follows.
- Balance the chorale section carefully so the upper woodwinds shine without drowning out the harmonic foundation in the lower voices.
- Sustain phrases through the full duration at a tempo that allows for genuine breath support rather than choppy phrasing.
- Use the original Riverdance recording as a reference for the character and style, but allow your ensemble's voice to emerge naturally from the texture.
How to use it
This ballad pairs naturally with livelier Celtic selections or Irish-influenced concert music, creating a balanced emotional arc within a program. It also serves as an excellent bridge piece when you're introducing ensembles to world music traditions or contemporary approaches to folk-based composition.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long phrases with consistent tone and support
- Balancing blend in close harmonic textures
- Shaping melodic lines with intentional phrasing and vibrato control
- Reading and performing arrangementsof familiar cultural music