Editor Robert Foster has uncovered another forgotten Henry Fillmore march and restored it to its rightful place in band repertoire. This may be one of the best Fillmore marches we have heard that is for the most part still unknown. Written to stir patriotism during World War I, all of the wonderful Fillmore trademarks are present in this exceptional march. It is tuneful, exciting and well-scored; presented in a full score edition for the first time, exactly as Fillmore intended it to be.
Lightning Fingers showcases the musical and technical virtuosity of the solo clarinetist in this original work by legendary bandmaster and composer Henry Fillmore. It is a happy, showy display piece which has been enjoyed by generations of performers and audiences alike. The solo was written for Louise Reztke, who Fillmore referred to as the “Phantom Clarinetist.” Reztke was the soloist for Fillmore's own band and was featured many times on their radio broadcasts. Robert Foster's new edition cleans up some inconsistencies present in older editions and makes it accessible to a new generation of band musicians.