Curtain in the Sky

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert Langenfeld

Robert Langenfeld


General Info

Year: 2016 / 2018
Duration: c. 5:45
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Grand Mesa
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $60.00; (digital) - $60.00   |   Score Only (print) - $8.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
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-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium I-II
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A subtle work for wind band that features slowly shifting curtains of sound and optional harp and string bass parts that can further enhance the sound palette. The piece uses moments of silence and slowly evolving melodic lines to describe the movement from this dimension to the next.

- Program Note from publisher


Based on a poem by the composer, this emotionally charged work is an elegy in loving memory of the composer's friend, Jacob Nance. According to the composer's program notes, "The poem describes a loved one going on a journey, and there are times when they take the journey alone. Regardless of the journey, they are never far away. The piece reflects this and uses moments of silent and slow melodic lines to describe this journey and convey the meaning of the poem in a way that only music can."

The last line of the poem reads, "I know it's not goodbye, because I know you are just beyond the curtain in the sky."

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist


In loving memory of Jacob Nance.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Washington and Lee University (Lexington, Va.) Wind Ensemble (Jonathan Sweet, conductor) - 4 April 2022
  • Baylor University (Waco, Tx. Symphonic Band (Isaiah Odajima, conductor) – 7 February 2020
  • University of Nebraska Omaha Symphonic University Band (Joshua Kearney, conductor) – 6 December 2019
  • Moline (Ill.) High School Symphonic Band (Zach Morton, conductor) – 23 February 2019
  • St. Louis (Mo.) Wind Symphony (Thomas Poshak, conductor) - 30 September 2018
  • Duke University Wind Symphony (Verena Moesenbichler-Bryant, conductor) – 23 February 2017 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Langenfeld, R. (2018). Curtain the Sky [score]. Grand Mesa Music: Grand Mesa, Colo.
  • "New Music Reviews." The Instrumentalist, 74/1 (August 2019), p. 26.
  • Perusal score
  • Richards, Erik. "Curtain in the Sky." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 12, Compiled and edited by Andrew Trachsel, 356-362. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2021.
  • Robert Langenfeld website Accessed 21 August 2018