Fantasia on a Theme from The Southern Harmony - Barry E. Kopetz

Warm, emotional, and harmonically rich, the lovely tune Ballerma comes from the shaped note book of hymns entitled The Southern Harmony and is similar to the well-known hymn Amazing Grace. Its the perfect subject for the collection of colorful and creative fantasies that make up this work. After an initial presentation, the melody is used in a series of contrasting treatments, the first being flippant and humorous. The next is simple and childlike, featuring a delicate percussion ensemble, clarinet ensemble or combination of both. The final fantasy incessantly drives the music forward, releasing pent-up energy along the way to the thrilling conclusion.