Wayfaring Stranger

Christopher Nelson's lush and colorful setting of the folk song "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go until the final notes of the piece. Masterful orhestration and innovative, yet sensitive treatment of the original folk song characterize this arrangement, which is sure to become a classic work for wind band.

Program Notes

Wayfaring Stranger is a setting of the American folk spiritual known as “Poor Wayfaring Stranger”. While many versions of the lyrics to this tune exist, they all tell the story of a Traveler who makes their way on a journey despite a rough road, difficult circumstances, and gathering darkness. He does this, the lyrics say, for the promise of green pastures and a reunion with his Father and Mother at journey’s end. This setting is intended to convey not only the difficulty experienced by the Traveler, but also the resolve which is displayed as He moves forward despite hardship, and disappointment. Wayfaring Stranger is offered as a sort of resolute battle-hymn for anyone who must endure a long journey of challenge and trial before the promised green pastures can be enjoyed.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2015
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 5:00

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
English Horn
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba
Double Bass

Piano (optional)
Harp (optional)

Timpani (Suspended Cymbal)
Percussion 1 (Wind Chimes, Chimes, Concert Bass Drum)
Percussion 2 (4-octave Marimba, Bell Tree, Suspended Cymbal, Crotales [upper octave])
Percussion 3 (Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal)
Percussion 4 (Bells, Shared Vibraphone)