Galactic Empires

From Wind Repertory Project
David Gillingham

David Gillingham


General Info

Year: 1998
Duration: c. 11:40
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Cost: Score and Parts - $160.00   |   Score - $50.00


Movements

1. Battlestar of the Andromeda Nebula - 3:56
2. Eveningstar of the Magellanic Cloud - 4:21
3. Earthstar of the Milky Way - 3:49


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II (II doubling English Horn)
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contralto Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
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
Tuba
Timpani
Piano
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Brake Drum (medium)
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong (or Tam-tam)
  • Hi-hat
  • Marimba
  • Slapstick
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal (large)
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

My lifelong fascination with the mysteries of the universe has come to fruition in Galactic Empires. Our understanding of distances on Earth, which have clear beginnings and endings, makes it inconceivable that the universe is endless. Galactic Empires is a musical journey through only three of an infinite number of galaxies, two foreign and one which is our own Milky Way. To gain the inspiration for this work, I let my imagination run wild and envisioned each galaxy as having a particular aura which is reflected in the music.

The work is set in three connected movements, each representing a "star" in a particular universe:

I. Battlestar of the Andromeda Nebula -- Within the Andromeda Nebula Galaxy lies a star where hate radiates into its atmosphere creating a smoky, black cloud forming a ring around the angry sphere. Close to the surface, one can hear the incessant drumming rhythms of war, for this is an empire bent on destruction of all other life forms in the galaxy. Across the jagged, dark, cold landscape are thousands of doomed bases housing troops and weapons of annihilation. Multitudes of amphibious-like alien creatures clad in silver and black armor move in and out of the domes while hundreds of disk-shaped airships land and take off from the surface, all this occurring against the backdrop of a sky lit with explosions from other stars of the galaxy as they are one by one destroyed by the empire of the Battlestar.

II. Eveningstar of the Magellanic Cloud -- In stark contrast to the Battlestar is the Eveningstar found in the center of the galaxy of the Magellanic Cloud. This is a place of beauty beyond words. Four suns of multiple colors shine upon this star, making the sky appear as a huge domed rainbow. Life on the Eveningstar is one of tranquility and peace. The aliens of this star are thin, stick-like beings with oversized heads and large silver and oval slanted eyes reflecting warmth, understanding, and superior knowledge. The inhabitants of this star are the most advanced of the entire universe and exist in a sort of utopic state.

III. Earthstar of the Milky Way -- The Earthstar is the most vibrant and eclectic star to be found in any galaxy of the universe. The humans who inhabit this star have a most interesting history that reflects both the most hideous atrocities and the most marvelous achievements of its people. It has the potential to achieve a status equal to the Eveningstar of the Magellanic Cloud, but must begin to learn from the mistakes of the past. Still, a sense of joy and celebration radiates from the surface of the Earthstar ... an energy field created by unbounded faith and hope for humankind.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class AA
  • Georgia: VI
  • Louisiana: V
  • Maryland: VI
  • North Carolina: VI
  • Oklahoma: V-A
  • South Carolina: VI
  • Tennessee: VI
  • Virginia: VI


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Grand Valley State University (Allendale, Mich.) Wind Symphony (Kevin Tutt, conductor) - 18 October 2023
  • The Arizona Winds (Phoenix) (Richard Shelton, conductor) – 6 May 2022 (ACB 2022 Annual Convention (Santa Fe, New Mexico))
  • West Texas A&M University (Canyon) Concert Band (Russ Teweleit, conductor) - 27 April 2022
  • University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) Wind Ensemble (James Popejoy, conductor) - 12 October 2021
  • Texas Christian University (Fort Worth) Wind Symphony (Bobby Francis, conductor) - 13 October 2020
  • Brock University (St. Catharines, Ont.) Wind Ensemble (Zoltan Kalman , conductor)– 4 December 2018
  • Lone Star Wind Orchestra (Dallas, Tx.) (Eugene Migliaro Corporon, conductor) – 18 November 2018
  • Crossroads Wind Symphony (Lawrence, Kan.) (Paul Popiel, conductor) – 9 November 2018
  • Northeastern State University (Tahlequah, Okla.) Wind Ensemble (James Adams, conductor) – 17 November 2017
  • Boerne High School Symphonic Honors Band (Kevin Arnott, conductor) - 13 April 2006


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

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