Swan Boat Song

The Swan Boats in Boston’s Public Gardens are one of the city’s most memorable attractions. This piece, with its simple melody, captures the rhythm and flow of the boats and waterfowl as they move peacefully around the island and duck pond. Suitable for teaching slurred and hooked bowings, all parts remain in first position with the exception of a few bass note extensions. Listen for the half notes followed by slurred, staccato quarter notes evoking the sound of quacking ducks.