Symphony IV (Welcher)

From Wind Repertory Project
Dan Welcher

Dan Welcher


Subtitle: American Visionary


General Info

Year: 2005
Duration: c. 20:00
Difficulty: VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - Rental   |   Score Only (print) - $110.00


Movements

1. Machines
2. Family
3. Community


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III (2 players on each part)
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
C Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone br /> Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano/Celesta
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bongos (2)
  • Brake Drum
  • Castanets
  • Ceramic Mugs (5)
  • Cowbell (5: large)
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Railroad Spike
  • Ratchet
  • River Stones (5)
  • Sizzle Cymbal
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Temple Blocks
  • Tom-Toms
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Woodblocks (3)
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This work was commissioned in honor of George Kozmetsky by the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas. It premiered in November, 2005.

Machines. “Texas — think beyond cattle, cowboys, oil. To see the future, Texas, link intellect, technology, and enterprise.” George Kozmetsky said that, and in a lifetime of insight and passion he gave us new ways of seeing the contemporary world. “Shrinking the planet, technology draws us together,” he said. “Unifying humanity, that’s what science can do... Basic research drives science, science drives technology — that’s why academia and industry must collaborate.” A pioneer of creative and innovative thinking, George inspired and energized all whom he touched. Ideas burst forth from him, ideas rooted in purpose for people. “Think backward and move forward” was his motto. “Microelectronics, software, telecommunications, biotechnology, lasers, robotics, new materials — this is the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said. “But technologies are not for the grandeur of machines, but for the glory of humans... Technology is not simply an engineering ‘thing,’ a gadget, or a process. It is a body of knowledge, an engine of economic growth, it is an intellectual energy that enriches society. Technology is the bright, shining star in the new economic firmament.” It all started with machines...

Family. From 4:00 a.m. George created, adorning blackboards with ideas that formed like art and flowed like verse, mentoring generations of leaders in academia, business, and government. A warm personality with an unassuming presence, a demanding advisor who loved good judgement, George never met a challenge too difficult nor an idea too grand. He was a creative wellspring with a scintillating intellect, an irrepressible optimist, and a loyal friend. His teaching was about vision ... but his life was about family. He said, “Whatever I have accomplished is the result of being an American, plus great good fortune. I had wonderful parents. I have had a wife and children who were always with me, an excellent education, wise mentors, and friends who inspired and supported me.” To be close to George was to be part of his family.

Community. “It is a time of turbulent dislocation and unheralded opportunity,” he said. “University, business, government — reform them, restructure them, reshape them, revitalize them... Competition cannot be averted and cooperation cannot be avoided — value and fear this paradox. The process of change is accelerating.”

George knew about change, and about challenge. He relished cutting-edge projects, and he loved people of talent, especially entrepreneurial talent — those with the perception, dedication, drive, and tenacity to see things new and to make new things — those who change the world. As he said, “Talent without ideas is like seeds without water... The days of a single lifelong career are disappearing. Reinvest yourself; expand your horizons; imagine your future; fulfill your potential.” When accepting the National Medal of Technology Award, he said, “Mrs. Kozmetsky and I feel very strongly that individuals who have been so privileged ought to contribute to society. To be honored for simply being a responsible citizen is overwhelming, and I am deeply grateful.” George’s commitment to the community was all-encompassing, and his was a grand vision. “Each nation’s strengths are linked with other nation’s needs,” he said. “In no case is one country wholly insulated from other countries. We have no choice but to participate in the global community. This is what the 21st Century is all about.”

And this was what he was all about. Inspired by machines. Nurtured by family. Honoring the community. George Kozmetsky, American Visionary.

- Program Note from Peabody Wind Ensemble concert program, 8 October 2016


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources