Flight of the Piasa

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon


General Info

Year: 2008
Duration: c. 5:10
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Cost: Score and Parts - $75.00   |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
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
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Snare Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Commissioned by the Alton High School Band, Alton, Illinois, David W. Drillinger, director.

- Program Note from score


Flight of the Piasa was written to depict the majesty of the legendary Piasa, an enormous winged creature, and the bravery of the Illini tribe who triumphed over its reign of terror. The discovery of the Piasa dates to 1673, when the cliff drawing painted high on the bluffs was first seen by Marquette during his famous journey down the Mississippi River.

- Program Note from publisher


The Piasa or Piasa Bird is a Native American dragon depicted in one of two murals painted by Native Americans on bluffs (cliffsides) above the Mississippi River. The name Piasa may also have been derived from the Native American Miami Illinois word páyiihsa (cf. Anishinaabe: apa'iins(ag), "little people(s)"). This was their name for small, supernatural dwarves said to attack travelers. Local claims that the word "Piasa" meant "the bird that devours men" or "bird of the evil spirit" are not accurate nor based in the Illinois language.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources