The Monk’s Turned Topsy-Turvy
Instrumentation
Clarinet choir
(Eb, 4 Bb, alto, bass, Eb contra, Bb contra. Alternate Bb parts included for Eb and alto. Basset horn part included (doubles alto))
Advanced Intermediate
Duration: 03’30”
2018
Available from:
JW Pepper
Sheet Music Direct
Sheet Music Plus
Concert band
Advanced Intermediate
Duration: 03’30
2019, New edition 2026
The new edition expands and rewrites the percussion parts, with minor editing in the winds and brass.
Available from:
JW Pepper
Sheet Music Direct
Sheet Music Plus
“The Monk’s Turned Topsy-Turvy” is an original fantasy for clarinet choir, based on the old French-Canadian children’s song, “Ah! Si mon moine voulait danser! (Danse, mon moine, danse).” The title is a play on words: “moine” means both “monk” and “spinning top” in French. The lyrics speak of persuading “mon moine” to dance by offering various articles of clothing, such as a hood or frock.
After a brief, yet bold, introduction, the piece jumps into a straightforward rendition of the tune. From there, the melody is repeated, bringing in other voices and added flourishes. While the tune starts to repeat a third time, it doesn’t get to finish its full statement. It’s interrupted by a run up through the ensemble into a rollicking 7/8 section.
