Gilgamesh

From Wind Repertory Project
Gregory B. Rudgers

Gregory B Rudgers


General Info

Year: 2010
Duration: c. 4:50
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $85.00; (digital) - $85.00   |   Score Only (print) - $12.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Marimba
  • Suspended Cymbal


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Gilgamesh was inspired by the tradition of comradeship and brotherhood found in the ancient Sumerian epic Gilgamesh and the Verdi opera La Forza del Destino. In both, the dominant theme is the loyalty, bravery and lasting friendship of en thrown together by fate. In Gilgamesh, the title character, a king in the kingdom of Uruk, first wages a heroic struggled against Enkidu, a wild man of the forest. Their battle lasts for days until they are both forced to admit that they have met their equal, and they then become fast friends. Wondrous adventures ensue, as they slay the grand bull of heaven, and fell the cedar forest of the gods. But alas, the gods become jealous of Enkidu and strike him down. Gilgamesh weeps bitter tears and seeks o find the answer to eternal life, only to be informed by the gods that death is their most important gift to man.

In La Forza del Destino, Don Alvaro and Don Carlo are thrown together as two soldiers in the midst of a battle, not knowing that Don Alvaro has accidentally killed Don Carlo's father and become the lover of Leonora, Don Carlo's sister. They too have grand adventures until their friendship is destroyed by the discovery of their fateful history.

All melodic material in the work has been derived from the Verdi opera's main theme, first heard here in its entirety in measures 3-6 in the tuba and bassoon. The theme is presented several times, most notably in the last few measures. Other melodic material is derived from the four diatonic ascending tones in the theme.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Kent (Ohio) State University Symphony Band (John Franklin, conductor) - 8 December 2017


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources