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Grandfather’s
Clock
(1876)
by:
Henry Clay Work
Arr: Merv Rowley, 2011
October
is the month for spooks and witchery, so your 1-3-5 team
has chosen a musical classic about a “haunted” clock
of yesteryear... one that could read the mind of it's
owner from the date of his birth until his death at age
90. Does this sound weird? Many have thought so, both
children and adults. In the Historical Link listed
below, we read that this idea was even featured in an
early television episode of “The Twilight Zone” many
years ago.
The
story originated in the Yorkshire area of England back
in the mid 1870's, where the George Hotel displayed a
“longcase clock” in the lobby, which was said to
have strange behavior, as described in the lyrics as we
read here.
Henry Clay Work,
a printer by trade, but also a writer and composer,
visited the hotel and wrote his song to depict its
storied history. It is said that this piece of music may
have been the only one actually “composed” in a
print shop. We think readers will enjoy this selection.
About the
Music:
Notice
that the tempo of the music is like the slow ticking of
a clock. Here and there the lyrics pause as the clock
speaks - “tick-tock-tick-tock”. These notes may
either be played as noted or made by clicking your
tongue for realism. These, and other notes are marked as
staccato notes with "dots" above - mute or "damp" each note immediately after picking it.
Also, we see two places where
“tuplets” appear. These are groups of three
eighth-notes, grouped under a bracket. Play these three
notes in the time span required for two notes. This is
an arranger's way to cram in an extra note.
Whether the
music makes you smile or shiver, it's one of a kind, and
we hope all will enjoy and remember it.
Your 1-3-5 Team
♫♫♫
Download files:
Grandfathers_Clock.pdf
Grandfathers_Clock.tef
Grandfathers_Clock.MID
Historical
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Grandfather's_Clock#Origin_of_the_song
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