Give Me Your Hand

Give Me Your Hand is a lush wind band setting of the popular Irish harp tune Tabhair Dom Do Lámh, written in the early 17th century by Rory Dall O'Cahan. Set in 3/4 time, this arrangement offers elasticity with several tempo & textural changes throughout, helping young performers to improve their musicality. Simple percussion parts add the perfect amount of color without overwhelming the winds.

Program Notes

Give Me Your Hand" is a lush wind band setting of the popular Irish harp tune Tabhair Dom Do Lámh, written in the early 17th century by Rory Dall O'Cahan. Set in 3/4 time, this arrangement offers elasticity with several tempo & textural changes throughout, helping young performers to improve their musicality. Simple percussion parts add the perfect amount of color without overwhelming the winds.

I was first introduced to this tune in 2016 when I saw mandolinist Chris Thile and jazz pianist Brad Mehldau perform it in a live duo concert. It stuck with me all this time and knew I wanted to do something with it. Most versions are performed as a fairly quick waltz with a lilt, but I wanted to lean into the richer qualities of the wind band, using straight eighths throughout with only a couple of triplets. I encourage you and your ensemble to listen to several recordings, including The Chieftains (The Chieftains 5) and Chris Thile & Brad Maheldau (Chris Thile & Brad Mehldau).

– N.D.

Grade Level: 2.5
Copyright: 2023
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 3:45

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

Flute
Oboe [optional]
Bassoon [optional]
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani [3 drums]
Bells [optional]
Vibraphone & Chimes [optional]
Percussion 1: Suspended Cymbal, Triangle
Percussion 2: Concert Bass Drum, Mark Tree (Wind Chimes)