Apotheosis of this Earth
From Wind Repertory Project
Contents |
General Info
Year: 1970
Duration: c. 25:30
Difficulty: VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Associated Music Publishers, Inc.
Cost: Score and Parts - $150.00 | Score Only: $25.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Piccolo (doubles Flute)
Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II-III
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
Eb Soprano Clarinet
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bb Contrabass Clarinet (Optional, doubles Bass Saxophone)
Alto Saxophone I-II
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bass Saxophone (Opt.)
Cornet or Trumpet (in Bb) I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Euphonium I-II
Tuba
String Bass (preferably 2 or 3)
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:
- Bass Drum
- Bell Lyre (or 2nd Glockenspiel)
- Cymbals (crash; small, medium, and large suspended)
- Field Drum
- Glockenspiel
- Gong (Tam-tam) (3)
- Marimba
- Sizzle Cymbal
- Snare Drum
- Tom-Toms (3)
- Tubular Bells
- Vibraphone
- Xylophone (2 or 3 if available)
Errata
See the article: Scatterday, Mark D. (1993, September–October) “Karel Husa: Apotheosis of This Earth.” BDGuide 8(1), 10-11, 13-14, 16-18, 20.
Program Notes
The composition of Apotheosis of this Earth was motivated by the present desperate stage of mankind and its immense problems with everyday killings, war, hunger, extermination of fauna, huge forest fires, and critical contamination of the whole environment.
Man's brutal possession and misuse of nature's beauty - if continued at today's reckless speed - can only lead to catastrophe. The composer hopes that the destruction of this beautiful earth can be stopped, so that the tragedy of destruction - musically projected here in the second movement - and the desolation of its aftermath (the "postscript" of the third movement) can exist only as fantasy, never to become reality.
In the first movement, "Apotheosis", the Earth appears as a point of light in the universe. Our memory and imagination approach it in perhaps the same way as it appeared to the astronauts returning from the moon. The Earth grows larger and larger, and we can even remember some of its tragic moments (as struck by the xylophone near the end of the movement).
The second movement, "Tragedy of Destruction", deals with the actual brutalities of man against nature, leading to the destruction of our planet, perhaps by radioactive explosion. The Earth dies as a savagely, mortally wounded creature.
The last movement is a "Postscript", full of the realization that so little is left to be said: The Earth has been pulverized into the universe, the voices scattered into space. Toward the end, these voices - at first computer-like and mechanical - unite into the words "this beautiful Earth", simply said, warm and filled with regret...and one of so many questions comes to our minds: "Why have we let it happen?"
This work was commissioned by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and is dedicated to Dr. William Revelli, Conductor of Bands at the University of Michigan, upon his retirement, in recognition of his devoted service to music, to education, and to his colleagues.
Program Note by Karel Husa
Commercial Discography
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Recent Performances
(To add performances, please join the WRP.)
Additional Works for Winds by this Composer
- Al Fresco (1973)
- Apotheosis of this Earth (1970)
- Cheetah (2005)
- Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Concert Band
- Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble
- Concerto for Wind Ensemble (1982)
- Divertimento for Symphonic Winds and Percussion (arr. John Boyd)
- Fanfare for Brass Ensemble (1981)
- Music for Prague 1968 (1968)
- Smetana Fanfare
Additional Resources
- Haithcock, Michael. (1982, April). “Karel Husa talks about composing.” The Instrumentalist 36(9), 22-25.
- Husa, Karel. (1973, August) “Apotheosis of This Earth.” The Instrumentalist 28(1), 35-36.
- Husa, Karel. (1973, Spring) “Apotheosis of This Earth: Some thoughts.” Journal of Band Research 9(2), 35.
- Paynter, John P. (1972, May) “New Music Reviews.” The Instrumentalist 26, 76 [Review].
- Scatterday, Mark D. (1993, September–October) “Karel Husa: Apotheosis of This Earth.” BDGuide 8(1), 10-11, 13-14, 16-18, 20 [includes errata].
