Colours

From Wind Repertory Project
This work has been identified for inclusion in the Small Band Repertoire Initiative. You may find discussion of the work's challenges and merits under the Discussion tab above. You may also contribute your own thoughts and recommendations by joining the WRP.


Roger Cichy

Roger Cichy


General Info

Year: 1997
Duration: c. 13:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Wingert-Jones Publications
Cost: Score & Parts - $85.00   |   Score Only - $12.00


Movements

1. Amber - 2:13
2. Dark Jade - 2:25
3. Blue Sapphire - 1:43
4. Mauve - 1:23
5. Dark Ivy - 2:35
6. Burgundy Red - 2:17


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Cabasa
  • Congas
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Hi-Hat
  • Marimba
  • Ratchet
  • Snare Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Temple Blocks
  • Tom-Toms (4)
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Vibraslap
  • Whip
  • Woodblock
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Colours is an impressionistic work with each of the six movements of the piece representing a particular color. Composed in early 1997, Colours was commissioned by the Kansas State University Bands and premiered on May 10, 1997, with the composer conducting.

The music of each movement is not based so much on the outward appearance of its color, but rather the pigments that are combined to produce the particular color. Taken one step further, the color of each pigment is translated into its symbolic meaning, which is then represented through the music (i.e., green: warm, organic, middling qualities, immortality, neutrality). The musical "pigments" are blended into the composition of each movement to create the impression of the color. Therefore, the work represents the association of color symbolism as interpreted through music as opposed to "orchestra colors," or timbres. Obviously, the whole matter of color symbolism is highly subjective. It should also be stated that color symbolism can differ among cultures as well.

The particular colors that each movement represents were chosen by the composer because of their contrast to one another. Why the English spelling of Colours instead of the American spelling? Most of the source book material used to research the symbolism of colors used this particular spelling.

Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) Wind Ensemble (James Popejoy, conductor) - 8 March 2022
  • Northern Illinois University (DeKalb) Wind Ensemble (Ronnie Wooten, conductor) – 8 March 2018
  • Williamsburg Concert Band (Brian Worsdale, conductor) - 26 September 2013
  • San Jose Wind Symphony (Edward C.Harris, conductor) - 27 January 2013
  • Bloomington North High School Symphonic Band (Janis Stockhouse, conductor) - 19 January 2007 (IMEA Convention)


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Cichy, R. (1997). Colours [score]. R. Cichy: [U.S.A.].