Prelude and Chorale
From Wind Repertory Project
Contents |
General Info
Year: 1992
Duration: c. 3:30
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alliance Publications Inc.
Cost: Score and Parts - $50.00 | Score Only: $10.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Solo Instrument
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
Bb Bass Clarinet (Contrabass)
Alto Saxophone I-II
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet (in Bb) I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion, including:
- Tubular Bells
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Prelude and Chorale on Svaty Vaclave was commissioned by the Czech Music Alliance - Joel Blahnik and Anita Smisek - in 1987 and premiered by them with euphonium and organ in New Prague, Minnesota (St. Wenceslaus Church, December 6, 1988). Later, in early 1992, Nelhýbel transcribed it for symphonic band as an extension of his gratitude to Joel Blahnik for finding and meeting his oldest son while visiting Prague, Czechoslovakia (still under communist regime at that time) with whom he had lost contact with for many years. Bridging this relationship gave Nelhýbel new life and the proud realization of being a grandfather as well.
Prelude and Chorale for Symphonic Band received its premiere on April 13, 1992 at the Czech Music Festival organized and conducted by Peter Schmalz, Band Director at Oshkosh North High School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Joel Blahnik was the Euphonium soloist.
As with many of his compositions, Nelhýbel often employed thematic material from his musical heritage and native land. This work, originally for organ and trombone or euphonium, is a prelude on the theme of the second oldest extant chant from the 12th century known and sung by the Czech people - a prayer to the patron saint of their country, pleading St. Wenceslas (10th Century Prince of the Czech Lands) to preserve it from perishing. This venerated chant takes the form of a kyrielle, each verse, after invoking the intercession of St Vaclav on behalf of his people, ends with the Kyrie eleison. Further verses, in litany form, call upon the other Czech patron saints - Ludmilla, Prokop, John Nepomuk and Agnes. It also became a famous ceremonial song bonding the people together.
Program Note from the Published Score
Commercial Discography
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Recent Performances
(To add performances, please join the WRP by contacting the webmaster)
Additional Works for Winds by this Composer
- Academic Fanfare
- Concerto for Euphonium and Band
- Czech Suite
- Festivo (Nelhybel)
- Procession to the End of Time
- Suite from Bohemia
- Symphonic Movement
- Three Revolutionary Marches
- Trittico
- Variants on a Czech Love Song
Additional Resources
- Dunker, Amy. Analysis of Prelude and Chorale
