Aerodynamics (Zare)

From Wind Repertory Project
Roger Zare

Roger Zare


General Info

Year: 2010
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Roger Zare Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) – Rental ($235.00); (digital) - $195.00   |   Score Only (print) - $35.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium I-II
Tuba
String Bass
Piano/Celesta
Harp
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-Tam
  • Tom-Tom (5)
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Inspired by a trip to Disneyland, Aerodynamics describes an imaginary flight on an open-air glider. When I was in college I went on a new ride at the California Adventure theme park called "Soarin' California" during which I was suspended in the air with my legs dangling as if I were in a hang glider. I was immersed in imagery of California landscapes that zoomed by as fans blew air at me to simulate incredible speed. Even the scent of pine forests wafted through the breeze to complete the experience. This ride was so visceral and powerful to me that I went on it over and over, taking it in with excitement every time. I am fascinated by high speeds and by flight, and Aerodynamics is my musical response to these visceral experiences.

Musically, Aerodynamics is focused on the ebb and flow of fluid gestures, connected by a continuous stream of quickly repeated notes that represents the wind blowing at your face. Every line is echoed and mirrored so that a simple idea expands into a wash of sound. The listener may imagine taking flight throughout the piece, dipping and swooping as the shape of the music weaves its way from high to low and from small to large. This work uses a very limited amount of material, consisting almost entirely of a repetitive two note motive and a fleeting melody. The constant underlying motion builds the energy toward the end of the piece, where a climax combines the two main musical ideas in a majestic orchestral tutti.

- Program Note by composer


Awards

  • ASCAP/CBDNA Frederick Fennell Prize, Honorable Mention, 2012.
  • BMI Student Composer Award, 2009


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Appalachian State University (Boone, N.C.) Wind Ensemble (John Stanley Ross, conductor) - 27 October 2023
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington) Wind Symphony (John Cody Birdwell, conductor) - 20 November 2022


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Pasquale, John D. "Aerodynamics." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 10, Compiled and edited by Richard Miles, 894-901. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2015.
  • Perusal score
  • Roger Zare website Accessed 20 June 2018
Retrieved from "https://www.windrep.org/index.php?title=Aerodynamics_(Zare)&oldid=430982"