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Thin Places

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Bill Thomas

Bill Thomas


General Info

Year: 2013
Duration: c. 6:20
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Eighth Note Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $72.00   |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
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
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Snare Drum
  • Bells
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tom-Tom
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The concept of “thin places” comes from the ancient Celts who believed that there are places on the earth where the distance between this world and the world beyond is very slight. Thematic material comes from the hymn Nearer My God to Thee and from melodies of the indigenous people of North America. Haunting, dramatic and powerful.

-Program Note from publisher.


Commissioned by the Ontario Band Association, this appealing work explores the concept of “thin places,” which comes from the ancient Celts who believed that there are places on earth where the distance between this world and the world beyond is very slight. In the composer’s estimation, these places can be found in Northern Ontario.

Expertly scored, the melodic material here is drawn from Lowell Mason’s Nearer My God To Thee and from melodies of Ontario’s indigenous peoples.

The work begins with a rubato clarinet solo that proceeds through a thinly scored, ethereal section as other instruments are added. A majestic allegro section explores various textures with melodic material in various sections before slowing to another thinly scored, somewhat haunting passage. The intensity builds to a joyful and energetic full ensemble final section that brings the work to a dramatic conclusion. With interesting melodic and harmonic material throughout, the piece features effective dynamic changes, appealing textures, and well-conceived percussion writing. Careful observance of balance and blend, and proper tone and control during sparsely scored passages will help ensure an exceptional performance.

-Program Note from The Instrumentalist, April 2014, p. 40.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music



Resources

  • Bill Thomas website Accessed 18 November 2020
  • Thomas, B.; Mason, L. (2013). Thin Places: For Concert Band [score]. Eighth Note Publications: Van Nuys, Cal.
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