This concert and contest overture depicts the beauty and grandeur of the panoramic views from the top of Brasstown Bald mountain, the highest point in Georgia. An opening fanfare sets the mood with a middle section based on folk tunes. A fanfare return builds to a triumphant finish. Use this to develop listening and balance skills and to teach students about ABA form. Duration: 4:00
Program Notes:
Brasstown Bald is the highest point in the U. S. state of Georgia standing at 4,784 ft. It is located in the northeastern part of the state and is part of the southern Appalachians. The mountain received its name from the Cherokee word Itse’yi (“New Green Place”) or (“Place of Fresh Green”) referring to its grassy, instead of timbered summit. The term “Brasstown” came from a confusion of Itse’yi with Untsaiyi (“brass”). The mountain itself is known to the native Cherokee people as Mt. Enotah. The term “Bald” is common terminology describing mountaintops that have 360-degree unobstructed views.
Brasstown Bald Overture was written to depict the beauty and grandeur of the panoramic views from the top of this mountain. The opening fanfare sets the mood for the majesty of the Appalachians. The addition of the woodwinds during the second time through the fanfare portrays the dancing sunlight across the mountain peaks. The middle section is a quaint folk tune to represent the quiet stillness of the night. The fanfare return and a new day breaks forth.
