Bliss

From Wind Repertory Project
Michael Torke

Michael Torke


Subtitle: Variations on an Unchanging Rhythm


General Info

Year: 2003 / 2013
Duration: c. 12:15
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Bill Holab Music
Cost: Score and Parts – Rental   |   Score Only (print) - $100.00; (study) - $35.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Clapping
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A simple rhythm (four eighth notes, rest, one eighth note, rest, two eighth notes, rest) is the underpinning that we hear throughout. What changes is the melodies assigned to these rhythmic values, and the harmonies that support them. With percussionists tapping the rhythm, the accumulation becomes an ever-increasing celebration; a state of bliss. This piece was composed not long after Rapture, Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra, (which has been subsequently arranged for band), and represents a kind of companion piece to it; both are music which expresses an unfettered,

The music of Michael Torke has been called “some of the most optimistic, joyful and thoroughly uplifting music to appear in recent years” by Gramophone. He has also been hailed by the New York Times as a “master orchestrator whose shimmering timbral palette makes him the Ravel of his generation.”

- Program Note from University of Nebraska Wind Ensemble concert program, 15 April 2016


Originally written in 2003, from a commission by the College Band Directors National Association, Bliss premiered at their national convention in Minneapolis on 29 March 2003 with the University of Indiana Wind Ensemble conducted by Doug Stotter. This piece has been extensively revised for an October 2013 recording.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Texas Tech University (Lubbock) Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Sarah McKoin, conductor) - 1 October 2021
  • University of Georgia (Athens) Hodgson Wind Ensemble (Bradley Esau, conductor) - 7 April 2017
  • Cleveland Winds (Cleveland, Ohio) (Birch Browning, conductor) – 13 November 2016
  • University of Nebraska (Lincoln) Wind Ensemble (Carolyn Barber, conductor) – 15 April 2016
  • University of Texas at Arlington Wind Symphony (Douglas Stotter, conductor) – 17 March 2016 (CBDNA 2016 Southwestern Division Conference, Boulder, Colo.)
  • University of Kansas (Lawrence) Wind Ensemble (Paul Popiel, conductor) – 6 October 2013 *Revised Version Premiere Performance*
  • University of Indiana (Bloomington) Wind Ensemble (Douglas Stotter, conductor) - 29 March 2003 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources