Pulse (Brouwer)

From Wind Repertory Project
Margaret Brouwer

Margaret Brouwer (trans. by composer)


General Info

Year: 2003 / 2013
Duration: c. 6:15
Difficulty: V+ (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Brouwer New Music Publishing
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $100.00; (rental) - $80.00   |   Score Only (print) - $30.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tom-tom
  • Vibraphone
  • Wood Block
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A constant motor rhythm beats throughout most of Pulse. More and more instruments enter with varying rhythms, but over the same basic pulse. In a contrasting middle section the underlying pulse, while still there, is somewhat hidden. Mysterious sounds throughout the wind ensemble create a background for wisps and fragments of melodies with the flavor of different cultures. The beginning motor rhythm returns, but near the end there is a longer rendition of the melody played by the woodwind section, accompanied by low brass and percussion. Rhythmic pulses of differing values exist over a steady grand pulse that is the same for all.

Originally a work for orchestra, this version of Pulse for wind symphony was commissioned by the Texas State University Wind Symphony, Dr. Caroline Beatty, conductor.

- Program Note from publisher


Equality is a foundational principle of our country’s founding, yet it has never been fully realized, even nearly 250 years later. It is clear that change is coming, albeit slower than many of us would like. More and more people feel that pulsing heartbeat that beats for equality -- true equity for all. Brouwer’s Pulse was an easy piece to choose to capture this metaphor.

Pulse was commissioned by David Wiley and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra in honor of the RSO’s 50th Anniversary and was supported by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Rhythmic pulses of differing values exist over a steady grand pulse that is the same for all. More and more instruments enter with varying rhythms but over that same basic pulse. A “spirit motive” emerges in the middle section -- mysterious, rustling, and whispery, flowing through with melody. The underlying pulse, while still there, is somewhat hidden. Mysterious sounds throughout the wind ensemble create a background for wisps and fragments of melodies with the flavor of different cultures, and in the end becomes infused and strengthened by connections of differing values and pulses.

This version of Pulse, transcribed by the compos- er for Wind Symphony, was commissioned by the director of the Texas State University Wind Symphony, Caroline Beatty.

- Program Note by Courtney Snyder for University of Michigan Concert Band concert program, 8 December 2021


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) Concert Band (Courtney Snyder, conductor) – 8 December 2021
  • Texas State University (San Marcos) Wind Symphony (Caroline Beatty, conductor) – 20 March 2014 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Brouwer, M. (2013). Pulse: For Wind Symphony (2013) [score]. Brouwer New Music Publishing: [New York?].
  • The Horizon Leans Forward..., compiled and edited by Erik Kar Jun Leung, GIA Publications, 2021, p. 275.
  • Margaret Brouwer website Accessed 2 January 2021