James Oswald on the Ohio (for mandolin quartet or ensemble) is a four part piece based on a piece that I began several years ago. In fact the main theme has been used in a few different contexts over the last decade at least (mostly unfinished sketches). Currently, however, you can find the main tune in a solo version as the first movement in my piece "Pines West" in my 2016 solo mandolin collection Postcards From the Crater. The four part arrangement presented here, with this new title, includes a fun, complimentary middle section that I personally really enjoy.

While I have written 25 or 30 pieces for mandolin orchestra (with more to come) I often hear from players who gather in smaller ensembles. I have arranged a number of short tunes (jigs, reels, waltzes, etc.) in other collections as trios with two mandolin parts and guitar chords. This piece, however, was written to accomodate a wider range of mandolin family options (including an option for guitarists who don't mind playing a single note line). The piece can played by 3 mandolins and an octave mandolin; or two mandolins, with a CGDA mandola replacing the third mandolin and a guitar, mandocello or octave mandolin playing the bottom part. Of course you are welcome to try any combination that works for your group.

I have written many mandolin pieces inspired by the work of Scottish composer James Oswald (1710-1769) but this is the first time I have used his name in a title. Oswald was appointed Court Composer to King George III in 1761, shortly after the 18-year-old became King of England. He may have taught music to the the royal children in the 1750s. James Oswald on the Ohio imagines the unlikely journey of a teenage Prince of Wales (the future George III) who decides to visit the American colonies sometime in the late 1750s. He brings his favorite music teacher along. Boston and Philadelphia are not exciting enough and the royal party decides to travel west and take a scenic cruise down the Ohio river via flatboat. After much adventure they arrive at the Falls of the Ohio (near my place of birth) and decide to turn back. Or, perhaps, they portage around the Falls and descend the Ohio to the Mississippi and have a great time in New Orleans. I'm not really sure. All fiction aside, I hope that your group enjoys playing through the piece.

As you can see I am presenting this sheet music under a Creative Commons License. My intention is to make it clear that you can use the written music for any non-commercial purpose as long as proper attribution is given. I would, however, very much like to know of any performances of this music for my records.

John Goodin, July, 2018

This music is free for your use as outlined in the Creative Commons License below but I am, with some hesitation, offering the opportunity to make a small donation via PayPal (whether you have a PayPal account or not) to help support this kind of publishing. Print out the music, try it with your group, it really is free. If you want to make a donation any amount is fine. You might consider asking each member of your orchestra or ensemble to donate a dollar, or you could "pass the hat" at a rehearsal or performance. No donation is necessary, my main interest is in sharing the music.

It's also perfectly all right to send a donation via personal check to: John Goodin, 408 Center Ave., Decorah, IA 52101.

Created on ... November 1, 2008, last updated on November 26, 2013