The Headless Horseman

This short piece compresses a fair amount of material into a brief time span. The nine-bar introduction, Adagio misterioso, sets the stage for the entry of Washington Irving's Headless Horseman, described so vividly in the classic short story The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and given further life in classic animated films by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks.

Some younger players (and some audience members) have been frightened by the opening bars -- Good! There is drama and excitement in this brief musical ride, so let the faint-hearted pass it by.

Composed in June 1973, The Headless Horseman was first performed in July 1973 by the Manasquan (New Jersey) Summer School Concert Band. The score was subsequently revised and engraved in 1980 under the personal supervision of Mr. John D. Forbes, master engraver and editor.

Program Note by composer