Symphony for Band (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
- Indiana University (Bloomington) Wind Ensemble (Stephen W. Pratt, conductor) – 27 February 2010 (CBDNA 2010 North Central Division Conference, Normal, Ill.)
- Butler University Wind Ensemble (Indianapolis, Ind.) (Robert Grechesky , conductor) 15 February 2008 *Premiere Performance*
Works for Winds by this Composer
- The American Dream (1997)
- American Journey
- A Christmas Fanfare (1992/2005)
- Concerto for Trombone (2014)
- Freedom Tower
- From the Earth to the Moon and Beyond
- Gardens of Stone
- The Glass Bead Game (1997/1999)
- I Am the American Flag
- In the Mind's Eye (2010)
- Inaugural Fanfare
- Liberty for All (2000/2002)
- Make a Joyful Noise
- Symphonie Concertante (as arranger) (1926/1967)
- Symphony for Band (2008)
- Through a Window
Resources
- Beckel, J. (2008). Symphony for Band [score]. James A. Beckel: [United States].
- Jim Beckel Music Accessed 30 August 2021
- "Symphony for Band." Wind Band Symphony Archives. Web. Accessed 27 August 2022