Out of the Darkness, Into the Light

From Wind Repertory Project
Philip Sparke

Philip Sparke


General Info

Year: 2003
Duration: c. 8:30
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Anglo Music, through De Haske
Cost: Score and Parts - $159.00   |   Score Only - $28.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum 
  • Crash Cymbal 
  • Glockenspiel
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Tam-tam 
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This piece is all about optimism – something we need more than ever in these seemingly dark days. The piece begins in sombre mood, symbolizing the doubts we have about ourselves and our lives. The central section represents the struggle to overcome pain, then the ending broadens into a wide, flowing theme as we find joy and optimism

- Program Note from publisher


Out of the Darkness, Into the Light is about optimism. All of us experience disappointments in our lives, such failed relationships or the loss of loved ones, but the indomitability of the human spirit allows us to overcome such setbacks and get through the darker moments. For some, faith and religion may be the answer, but this piece is more about the internal strength that we can all call upon.

Opening in sombre mood, the first phase of the work symbolizes the doubts we all have about ourselves and our lives. The opening phrase on solo clarinet appears throughout the piece and could be seen as the central idea of the work, the human spirit itself. The faster, central section is about the struggle to overcome the pain we experience, and at bar 88 the moment of catharsis occurs. This signals a change of mood, and from then on the clarinet motif is transformed into a feeling of joy and optimism. We have entered the light.

- Program Note from publisher


Commissioned by Dr. Peter Boonshaft of the Hofstra University Symphonic Band.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Minnesota: I


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Windham (NH) Concert Band (Donald J. Running, guest conductor) – 15 October 2016
  • Minneapolis (Minn.) Symphonic Winds (Timothy Mahr, conductor) – 3 October 2015


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources