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| Click the title page below to see a sample score |
| Click below to hear a recording of Gwerzy. |
| Gwerzy (pronounced “Gwertzy”) is a fast paced piece composed by members of the Irish band, Kila. The group, best described as being “next generation Celtic”, has released several CD’s and are well known in Ireland. The area of influence and tradition of Celtic music traverses countries and includes Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, and parts of France. It is in France that Gwerzy owes its title. In 1993, members of Kila attended a music festival in the Brittany area of France and were particularly impressed by a group that performed by the name of Gwerz. Later, back in Ireland, Colm Ó Snodaigh and Dee Armstrong were working on a new tune and kept describing it as sounding like music from the band, Gwerz. One thing led to another and the new song that sounded like Gwerz became Gwerzy, and the name stuck. As with all music from the Peal Publishing catalog, careful attention should be made to the placement and intent of the markings and notations found throughout the piece. The handchime section beginning at measure 50 is the most challenging section and should be played at the same tempo of the rest of the piece. The 6/8 measures are conducted in two (3+3, eighth note = eighth note), the 11/8 in four (3+3+3+2), and the 8/8 in three (3+3+2). Given the tempo, the rest of the piece should be conducted in cut time as indicated by the meter with a fast four pattern used when needed. There is only one accidental in the entire piece and a fair amount of repetition. This leads to the potential of a memorized performance from in front of the tables perhaps after the handchime section. Enjoy! |
| Selected for the repertoire of Distinctly Bronze, 2006 and 2008. |
