Boom and Bust

Brian Balmages

General Info

Year: 2018
Duration: c. 5:23
Difficulty: II-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $50.00 | Score Only - $5.00

Instrumentation

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

Bass Drum
Bells
Chimes
Crash Cymbals
Snare Drum
Suspended Cymbal
Tambourine
Triangle
Vibraphone

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Economies throughout the world experience the cycle of tremendous growth followed by decline as markets “correct themselves” over time. Such is the case with Calgary (Alberta, Canada) a city that is closely tied to oil and gas. As such, the city experiences enormous booms when the economy is roaring, but then goes through very difficult times (busts) during periods of economic decline. The students, parents, and faculty of the MidSun school (located in Calgary) are all too familiar with this cycle, and this music is designed to represent both the hope of a booming economy and the uncertainty, fear, and anger when it is in decline.

Opening with an engaging, hopeful fanfare, the music eventually becomes more solemn and dissonant as uncertainty takes over. Dissonance paints a picture of uncertainty, fear and anger before the economy begins to roar once again and optimism is renewed. The final section represents renewed optimism as the economy begins to roar once again (which was the enthusiastic state of Calgary's economy when this piece was premiered).

Boom and Bust was commissioned by the MidSun School Band Program (Scott Campbell, conductor) and the MidSun Music Parents Society in honour of the school's 20th anniversary.

- Program Note by composer