Carry on Wayward Son
- Composer
- Kerry Livgren
- Arranger
- Paul Murtha
- Year
- 1971
- Duration
- 2:45
Conductor's Notes
This arrangement stays pretty faithful to the original. Take time to listen to the Kansas recording on the playlist and get the feel.
Tempo: = 132
Alterations:
Please ADD A REPEAT from end of m. 49 back to m. 15.
Notes:
- m. 1-8 - This is a vocal line. Connect the sound through the syncopations, only breaking on the rests.
- m. 15 - Keep moving through the 12/8 feel. This wants to slow down, don’t let it.
Low WWs and brass, be mindful of counting your long notes. This section sounds like 12/8, but is written in 4/4. - m. 26-33 - Flutes, you’re playing a vocal line here. Give me a punchy sound with some grit to it. Clarinets, you’re accompaniment. Firsts, keep it light on the arpeggios. Seconds and thirds, think of the half notes as notes on the piano. Give them a nice “doo” articulation and let them taper a little.
- m. 34-38 - Now Saxes and Horns have the melody. Flutes, change character here and make sure you sound like you know you’re playing something different. Long notes, still aim for that piano sound, “doo” articulation and slight taper.