By Virtue of the Skies

From Wind Repertory Project
John Prescott

John Prescott


Subtitle: The Barnstormer's Flight

This work bears the designation Opus 78.


General Info

Year: 2016
Duration: c. 5:15
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Wingert-Jones
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $70.00; (digital) - $70.00   |   Score Only (print) - $10.00;


Instrumentation

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

  • Agogo Bells
  • Bass Drum
  • Bells (or Crotales)
  • Chimes
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Vibraslap


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

My father, Jack Prescott, was born in 1922 and at the age of 17 became the youngest pilot in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. As he later told me, he was something of a daredevil back then -- flying under drawbridges and doing snap rolls down the deserted beach at 50 feet. During World War II, he was a member of the Army Air Corps and flew C-47 transport planes from India to China over the Himalaya mountains. He flew 83 missions over "the hump" and was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by President Harry Truman.

In By Virtue of the Skies, this heroism in the face of severe adversity is depicted by the dignified thematic material of the opening, which is tested by the somewhat dissonant fanfare figures appearing later. The ultimate triumph of the hero becomes apparent at the end of the piece.

This work also honors the career of my friend and teacher, James Barnes, who has always been something of a barnstormer in his own fashion.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


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