Javelin
Michael Torke (trans. Merlin Patterson)
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General Info
Year: 1994 / 2000
Duration: c. 9:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Bill Holab Music
Cost: Score and Parts - Rental | Score Only (print) - $90.00
Instrumentation
(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
The original orchestral version of Javelin was commissioned by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Cultural Olympiad in celebration of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's 50th Anniversary.
- Program Note from publisher
I had three goals in mind when I began this piece for the Atlanta Symphony's anniversary: I wanted to use the orchestra as a virtuosic instrument, I wanted to use triads (three-note tonal chords), and I wanted the music to be thematic. I knew I would welcome swifter changes of mood than what is found in my earlier music. What came out (somewhat unexpectedly) was a sense of valor among short flashes and sweeps that reminded me of something in flight: a light spear thrown, perhaps, but not in the sense of a weapon, more in the spirit of a competition. When the word javelin suddenly suggested itself, I couldn't help but recall the 1970s model of sports car my dad owned, identified by that name, but I concluded, why not? Even that association isn't so far off from the general feeling of the piece. Its fast tempo calls for 591 measures to evoke the generally uplifting, sometimes courageous, yet playful spirit.
- Program Note by composer
Commercial Discography
- Audio CD: University of Kansas Wind Ensemble (Paul W. Popiel, conductor) - 2013
State Ratings
- Louisiana: V
- Texas: V. Complete
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Northshore Concert Band (Evanston, Ill.) (Mallory Thompson, conductor) - 10 February 2019
- State University of New York, Fredonia, Wind Ensemble (Paula Holcomb, conductor) – 4 March 2018
- Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, Texas) Wind Ensemble (Fred Allen, conductor) - 2012
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Adjustable Wrench (1989)
- Bliss (2003/2013)
- Bright Blue Music (arr. Kirk) (1985)
- Four Wheel Drive (2004)
- Grand Central Station (2000)
- Javelin (tr. Patterson) (1994/2000)
- The Kiss (2006)
- Lunette (2023)
- May, June and July (1995-2012)
- May and June (2012)
- July (1995)
- Mojave (2010)
- Overnight Mail (1997)
- Rapture (2001)
- Rust (1989)
- Saxophone Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (1993/2012)
- Telephone Book (1985/1995)
- Three Scenes from Tahiti (tr. Leonard) (2009/2021)
- Tiger in the Sun (2011)
- Torque Series (2012)
- Two Girls on the Beach (2005)
- Vanada (1984)
Resources
- Michael Torke website
- Torke, M; Patterson, M. (2000). Javelin: For Band (in A) [score]. Adjustable Music: [s.l.]