Symphony for Band (Beckel)

From Wind Repertory Project
James Beckel

James Beckel


Subtitle: Passages


General Info

Year: 2008
Duration: c. 18:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: James A Beckel, Jr.
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Movements

1. Allegro jubiloso – 6:25
2. Largo – 5:50
3. Maestoso – 6:30


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
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-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium I-II
Tuba I-II
String Bass (optional)
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III

  • Bass Drum
  • Bell Tree
  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Gong (large)
  • Mark Tree
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle (small)
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Symphony for Band could be easily subtitled "Passages", as this work represents the passages of life that most of us travel through during our lifetimes. The first movement is representative of the carefree nature of childhood and is in the normal sonata allegro form.

The second movement is more somber in nature and represents the loss of a loved one. The famous sonnet by John Donne entitled Death, Be Not Proud embodies the tone of this second movement. The composer dedicates this movement to the memory of his parents.

The final movement of this work is by far the most intense. In everyone's life there are moments that challenge us to our core beliefs. The opening section to this final movement represents such challenges and threats with the opening unison trumpet theme. The form of this final movement is basically a theme and variations and culminates in one's triumph over life with a major tonality statement.

This work was commissioned by a Consortium of Bands organized by Robert Grechesky, director of bands and professor of music at Butler University.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by this Composer


Resources