Description

Based on The Ash Grove, a lively, extended introduction quotes fragments of the tune in a fantasia-like manner before the full statement of the melody. There is a simple rhythmic accompaniment which complements the melody throughout, sometimes in a duple feel against the triple meter above. Sometimes the melody is in the bass clef while the rhythmic duples are in the accompaniment above it. Mallets, plucking, and martellato are used sparingly but lend a great deal of variety.