Hi Sherry,

This is where I found "Communion Aire," so perhaps this is the proper thread.

When I heard your melody, I thought how well it might work somewhere in the third symphony that I am contemplating. I am in the earliest stage of working out the themes. So far, I've worked out one, which in the first few notes refers to "Wabash Cannonball." Yours would be the second, with quite a number to go. At the same time, I'm working out the structure in my head.

Originally, it was to be for soprano and orchestra on text by Loren Eiseley, one of the great handlers of language of the 20th Century. Now I'm thinking that it will be for a vocal quartet and a chorus, each treated as an instrument, rather than as soloists.

"the flute in the first octave..." One nice thing about the flute's weakness as an ensemble player in it's lower register, however, is that if it's to be used there, it almost has to be as a solo instrument, with any other parts toned down so that the flute is prominent.

"And yes, I'm referring to tin whistle!" I am going to do a web search this week to find a replacement for the one I wore out. I agree about the fingering vis a vis the recorder. I played the alto for several years, but never got very good at it, especially in the lower register. And, yes, the whistle is pretty easy to get a decent sound from, but it's almost a different instrument when a real master plays it. I didn't realize that they were available in different keys. I thought only D.

Put all your energy into "recovery mode."

best,
mgj