Give Me Your Hand
"Give Me Your Hand" is a lush wind band setting of the popular Irish harp tune "Tabhair Dom Do Lámh," written in the early 17th century by Rory Dall O'Cahan. Set in 3/4 time, this arrangement offers elasticity with several tempo & textural changes throughout, helping young performers to improve their musicality. Simple percussion parts add the perfect amount of color without overwhelming the winds.
Medium: Concert Band
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Composed: 2023
Duration: 3:45
Difficulty: Grade 2.5
Instrumentation
Flute
Oboe (optional)
Bassoon (optional)
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat T.C. Baritone
Tuba
Timpani (3 drums)
Bells (optional)
Vibraphone & Chimes [optional]
Percussion 1: Suspended Cymbal, Triangle
Percussion 2: Concert Bass Drum, WInd Chimes (Mark Tree)
Program Notes
Give Me Your Hand is a lush wind band setting of the popular Irish harp tune Tabhair Dom Do Lámh, written in the early 17th century by Rory Dall O'Cahan. Set in 3/4 time, this arrangement offers elasticity with several tempo & textural changes throughout, helping young performers to improve their musicality. Simple percussion parts add the perfect amount of color without overwhelming the winds.
I was first introduced to this tune in 2016 when I saw mandolinist Chris Thile and jazz pianist Brad Mehldau perform it in a live duo concert. It stuck with me all this time and knew I wanted to do something with it. Most versions are performed as a fairly quick waltz with a lilt, but I wanted to lean into the richer qualities of the wind band, using straight eighths throughout with only a couple of triplets. I encourage you and your ensemble to listen to several recordings, including The Chieftains (The Chieftains 5) and Chris Thile & Brad Maheldau (Chris Thile & Brad Mehldau).
