Cityscape (Vizzutti)

From Wind Repertory Project
Allen Vizzutti

Allen Vizzutti


General Info

Year: 2011
Duration:
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Trumpet and piano
Publisher: Village Place Music
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Movements

1. Uptown
2. Midtown
3. Downtown


Instrumentation

Full Score
Solo Tuba
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
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
Tuba
Piano
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Orchestra Bells
  • Suspended Cymbals (array, small)
  • Triangles (array, small)
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The idea for Cityscape was spearheaded and organized by Dr. Benjamin Pierce, international tuba soloist and professor of tuba and euphonium at the University of Arkansas. After having heard and subsequently performed a composition of mine, Dr. Pierce invited me to write a piece for tuba and wind ensemble, an invitation I happily accepted. As with all of my composing, I write with a concern for several key elements. These characteristics include speaking with my own voice, using melody, creating beauty and writing music that works well on each instrument involved. It is my belief that one can write difficult music that is not awkward and simple music that is not shallow. Armed with these thoughts I wrote Cityscape for Solo Tuba and Wind Ensemble.

The piece does not musically represent any particular real city. The mood and style of each of the three movements are inspired by my imagination. Picture a city from a super hero comic book and you will have your own personal version of the idea.

1. Uptown is the most contemporary in a compositional sense. The atmosphere is a little dark. The angular melodies are difficult to perform yet are lyrical. The harmonic tension and relief throughout are reminiscent of the mixture of joy and angst often experienced in a metropolis.

2. Midtown is very melodic in traditional ways. The tuba soloist has the opportunity to show the beautiful lyrical singing sound and style possible on the instrument -- something not familiar to many listeners. The piece is basically through composed. Rhythmic motif and a strong melody once repeated unify the movement. Imagine a peaceful park or a harbor view during this piece.

3. Downtown contains jazz elements, a cadenza and a lot of flash. The soloist performs high melodies and low bass lines. The surging accompaniment supplied the foundation for the soaring solo lines. There seems to be a lot of action in this part of town.

Cityscape is intended to be a challenging yet accessible piece for solo tuba with wind ensemble or piano. My intention was to compose with some depth and quality without pretense. I hope you enjoy letting your imagination run freely as you listen to it.

Cityscape for Solo Tuba and Wind Ensemble was a commission by a consortium of ten universities and tuba soloists.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Florida State University (Tallahassee) University Symphonic Band (David Plack, conductor; Justin Benavidez, tuba) - 11 October 2021


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

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