Raging Machines

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2008
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company, Inc
Cost: Score and Parts - $100.00   |   Score - $19.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Brake Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong (or Tam-tam)
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Water Gong


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

While not specifically programmatic, this aggressive work paints a picture of mechanical rage in a rollercoaster of sound. From the opening dissonant chords to the exuberant themes and wildly aggressive harmonies, this work is certain not to disappoint. A large battery of percussion helps recreate the sound of clanging metal as the work drives forward in a whirlwind of fury.

- Program Note from publisher


We all know we live in a society of complicated, confusing and marvelous machines that can accomplish just about anything that needs to be done. The composer of Raging Machines, Brian Balmages, has captured the energy, creativity and sounds of those mechanical marvels in a musically descriptive piece that allows the listener to form mental images of machines running to the max, as this thrilling musical roller coaster of a piece unfolds and seeks to portray its title of Raging Machines!

- Program Note by Lake Oswego Community Concert Band concert program 5 April 2013


While written without a specific programmatic intent, Raging Machines is an aggressive work with a mechanical element to it (as portrayed in the opening ostinato figures in the woodwinds and percussion). It is a thrilling musical roller coaster that seeks to portray its title. The opening theme recurs throughout the work with various accompanying textures as it modulates through several tonal centers. Eventually, the music comes to rest in a short, lyrical section. As this section builds, harmonies become more complex and musical intensity continues to rise. The final section reintroduces several mechanical elements along with new material as aggression takes over one more time in a fury of sound.

Raging Machines was commissioned by Glenbard West High School, IL, for its music director, Mark A. Hengesh. It honors his thirty years of dedication to music education.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

  • North Carolina: V


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Jacksonville (Fla.) University Wind Ensemble (Christopher C. Criswell, conductor) - 19 February 2023
  • Bethel University (St. Paul, Minn.) Wind Symphony (Steven Thompson) - 29 October 2022
  • East Tennessee State University (Johnson City) Concert Band (Joe D. Moore, conductors) - 3 March 2020
  • University of South Alabama (Mobile) Symphony Band (Jason Rinehart, conductor) -– 26 September 2019
  • Wartburg College (Waverly, Iowa) Wind Ensemble (Craig A. Hancock, conductor) – 15 April 2018
  • Appalachian State University (Boone, N.C.) Concert Band (John Stanley Ross, conductor) – 20 February 2017
  • Parkland College (Champaign, Ill.) Concert Band (Larry Stoner, conductor) - 27 September 2015
  • Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band (Dale Cleland, conductor) - 5 April 2013 (ACB’s 35th Annual Convention (San Ramon, Calif.))


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

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