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Permutations (flex)

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Kent S. Burchill

Kent S. Burchill


General Info

Year: 2020
Duration: c. 3:40
Difficulty: III+ (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Windcrest Music Press, through sheetmusicplus
Cost: Score and Parts (digital) - $30.00


Instrumentation (Flexible)

Full Score
Part 1

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Bassoon
  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Horn in F
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba

Part 2

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Trombone

Part 3

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Bassoon
  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Trombone

Part 4

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Bassoon
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Horn in F
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium

Part 5

  • Bassoon
  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone
  • Tuba

Timpani***
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum**
  • Bongos***
  • Chimes*
  • Crash Cymbals**
  • Orchestra Bells**
  • Snare Drum***

***Essential; **Less essential; *Least essential


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The objective when composing this work was to create a selection that would be slightly different from music typically available to middle-level bands. The key/tonal centers, time signatures, instrument ranges and rhythms are reasonably straightforward. The harmonies incorporated may, at times, however, be new to students. In addition, there are two musical forms employed which may be new to many students. First, the fugue; secondly, theme and variation.

In Permutations, the fugue is more a ‘fuguette,” containing the elements of the form, but in a shortened version, yet lengthy enough for students to learn about subjects, answers, and expositions. Theme and variation, as presented in Permutations, is not a classic, text-book example. Typically, the melody or theme is initially stated and then followed by several altered versions of that theme. In Permutations, the altered themes are presented before the unaltered melodic theme, which is eventually performed near the conclusion of the work. This reversal will hopefully encouraging performers, upon reflection, to search for and have discussions about the thematic variations and how they were derived from and foreshadow the actual theme.

Finally, a decision was made to showcase the percussion section, first in a triple meter question-answer dialogue that foreshadows the fugue while at the same time presenting the first variation of the theme. Later, the percussion section is a crucial component in the exposition of the fuguette. In this regard the percussion section is treated as an integral and fully contributing member of the ensemble rather than serving primarily as a rhythmic accompaniment for the wind portion of the band. It is hoped students will enjoy learning about this selection as well as solving its many musical challenges. Best wishes for a rewarding musical learning experience!

- Program Note from composer


Performance Notes

While this flex-scoring selection can be performed by a quartet of like instruments, the most successful configuration is with at least five heterogeneous instruments, plus some percussion. Nearly every configuration of instruments will work well. Permutations includes musical elements assigned to percussion instruments. Percussion instruments marked with *** are most essential; ** are less essential; * are least essential.

The overall notion of dynamics in Flex-Score compositions suggests a concept of relativity be adopted. While dynamic markings are found in the score and individual parts, the overall balance of the melodic and accompaniment lines will need adjustment depending on the number and types of instruments performing. Please consider all dynamic markings as suggestions, dependent on the number and types of instruments in the ensemble.


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

  • Kent Burchill, personal correspondence, September 2020
  • Perusal score
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