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Deus Ex Machina

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Randall Standridge

Randall Standridge


General Info

Year: 2019 / 2020
Duration: c. 5:05
Difficulty: IV+ (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Randall Standridge Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $75.00; (digital) - $80.00


Instrumentation (Flexible)

Full Score
Part 1
C Instruments

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Violin

B-flat Instruments

  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • E-flat Soprano Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet

Part 2
C Instruments

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Violin

B-flat Instruments

  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • B-flat Trumpet

E-flat Instruments

  • E-flat Alto Saxophone

Part 3
C Instruments (Treble clef)

  • Violin

C Instruments (Alto clef)

  • Viola

B-flat Instruments

  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • B-flat Trumpet

E-flat Instruments

  • E-flat Alto Saxophone

F Instruments

  • Horn in F

Part 4
C Instruments (Bass clef)

  • Bassoon
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Cello

B-flat Instruments

  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone

B-flat Instruments (low)

  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • B-flat Bass Clarinet

E-flat Instruments

  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone

F Instruments

  • Horn in F

Part 5
C Instruments (Bass clef)

  • Bassoon
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Cello
  • String Bass

B-flat Instruments

  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone

B-flat Instruments (low)

  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • B-flat Bass Clarinet

E-flat Instruments

  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone

C Instruments (Bass clef, low)

  • Tuba

Piano/Synthesizer
Timpani
Percussion
Mallet Percussion

  • Marimba

Percussion I

  • Drum Set

Percussion II

  • Brake Drum
  • Cowbells (2)
  • Triangle

Electronics


Errata

In Score and Parts:

  • Part 2, E-flat instruments. m.74, beat 3: E-natural at the beginning of the bar only applies to that octave)
  • Part 5, B-flat Instruments. m.34 and 36, beat 3: Upper octave has a written E-flat (E-natural at beginning of the bar only applies to that octave)


Program Notes

Some people say I suffer from an overactive imagination.

That is not true. I don’t suffer from it at all. I enjoy every minute of it.

I remember being in English class in high school, and learning about classical plays. Mrs. Eggburn (my fantastic 11th grade English teacher) mentioned the “Deus Ex Machina,” or “God of the Machine.” I’m not sure what she said after that because my mind was busy envisioning an ancient god brought into the modern age, with glowing neon eyes, speakers inside his mouth, and pulsing circuits growing out from his body into his temple built of circuit boards. It’s an image that has stayed with me ever since every time I hear that particular term.

This work for concert band combines exotic scales, cinematic scoring, digital effects, and a dub-step feel to create a truly unique experience for the player and audience. Is it pop? Is it symphonic? Does it matter? Music is music and it’s either effective or it’s not.

Deus Ex Machina was commissioned by the Georgia Music Educators District Six for their 9ths-10th grade honor band. They were very kind by allowing me to write something that was far outside the norm, and I will always be grateful.

Peace, Love, and Music.

- Program Note by composer


Deus ex machina (god from the machine) is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story is suddenly and abruptly resolved by an unexpected and unlikely occurrence. Its function can be to resolve an otherwise irresolvable plot situation, to surprise the audience, to bring the tale to a happy ending, or act as a comedic device.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


Performance Notes

While each part may be used for any instrument in that key, the instruments listed in parentheses are suggested for the best overall sound and range compatibility. Some parts contain optional octaves. The director/performer should select the octave that is best suited for their instrument and range.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Rhode Island (Kingston) Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Roger Cichy, conductor) - 12 December 2021
  • Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.) Concert Band (Mark Kadetsky, conductor) - 7 December 2021
  • Saginaw Valley State University (University Center, Mich.) Wind Ensemble (Norm Wika, conductor) - 7 October 2021
  • Kennesaw (Ga.) State University Wind Symphony (Debora Traficante, conductor) - 24 February 2021
  • Millersville (Penn.) University Wind Ensemble (Joe Cernuto, conductor) - 15 November 2020
  • Mid America Freedom Band (Kansas City, Mo.) (Lee Hartman, conductor) – 25 October 2020 *Premiere Performance (Virtual)*


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

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