Concerto for Wind Ensemble (Bryant)

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Steven Bryant
Steven Bryant

Steven Bryant


Contents

General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: c. 8:30
Difficulty: VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Gorilla Salad Productions
Cost: Score and Parts (Rental) - $300.00   |   Score (Purchase) - $30.00


Instrumentation

Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II-III-IV-V-VI (4-6 are antiphonal)
Bb Bass Clarinet I-II
Alto Saxophone I-II
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet I-II-III-IV-V-VI (4-6 are antiphonal)
Horn in F I-II-III-IV (3 and 4 are antiphonal)
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Euphonium I-II
Tuba I-II
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including

  • Bass Drum
  • Cymbals (2 suspended)
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Note

Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Cmdr. Donald Schofield, conductor.

When Commander Don Schofield requested a new work to showcase the USAF Band of Mid-America's considerable skill, and to viscerally demonstrate their commitment to excellence as representatives of the United States Air Force (analogous to the way the USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron demonstrates precision and professionalism), I realized this was a perfect opportunity to explore the virtuosity of individual players and sections to a far greater degree than I have been afforded in the past.

From the outset, I decided against an outright depiction of flight (as is so common in band works written for USAF ensembles), and instead opted to create a work that requires, and celebrates, virtuosity. Initial discussions with Cdr. Schofield centered on a concerto grosso concept, and from this, the idea evolved into one of surrounding the audience with three groups of players, as if the concertino group had expanded to encompass the audience. These three antiphonal groups, along with the onstage ensemble, intentionally form the shape of a diamond, which, not coincidentally, is a core formation for the Thunderbirds. As a further analog, I've placed Trumpet 5 and Clarinet 5 in the back of the hall, serving as an 'inversion' of the ensemble onstage, which mirrors the role of the No. 5 pilot who spends the majority of the show flying inverted.

The music itself is based upon a five-note ascending scale-wise motive and a repeated chord progression (first introduced in the Vibraphone about 2'30Ó into the work). The rhythm of this chord progression informs the rhythmic makeup of the remainder of the work. These elements constitute the core musical material for the entire work.

Concerto for Wind Ensemble is a true one-on-a-part wind ensemble work, and no extra doublings should be employed.

I anticipate creating two more movements at some point, though presently I have no concrete plans. If you are interested in commissioning one or both of these movements, please don't hesitate to contact me. Special thanks to Don Schofield for commissioning me, and for his strong interest in, and support of, new works for the wind ensemble.


Program Note by Steven Bryant


Commercial Discography


Audio Links


Recent Performances

Upcoming and recent performances of all works by Steven Bryant are listed here.
(To submit performances of works by Steven Bryant, Jim Bonney, Jonathan Newman, or Eric Whitacre, please use this page.)


Additional Works for Winds by this Composer


Additional Resources



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