Traveler's Loop, The

Brandon Dicks

Subtitle: Concerto for Bass Trombone and Wind Ensemble

General Info

Year: 2020
Duration: c. 19:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown

Movements

1. Through the Cityscapes
2. Viewing the World
3. Tearing Metal

Instrumentation

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

Bass Drum
Chimes
Crash Cymbals
Crotales
Suspended Cymbal
Tambourine
Tam-Tam
Tenor Drum
Timbales
Vibraphone
Wind Chimes
Wood Block

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

The Traveler's Loop centers on an image of a traveler who embarks on a journey around the world by train; however, the passenger is never allowed to leave the train. The ensemble begins the piece with a bleak introduction called The Train. The protagonist, the solo bass trombone, is introduced in the first movement Through the Cityscapes. The soloist reacts to the ever-changing world that is seen, as represented by the wind ensemble. The soloist's character will track a clear emotional arc on its journey. In the first movement, the soloist's is filled with excitement as they are passing a lively city. This excitement leaves as they come to the realization that they are not getting off the train.

The second movement, Viewing the World, shifts focus from outward to inward as the soloist longs to be a part of the outside world. Changing textures in the wind ensemble evoke a sense of jealousy that evolves into longing and anger.

The third movement, Tearing Metal, deals with the culminating anger. The soloist is literally trying to smash the train open to be free. The piece accelerates into a dense chaotic texture, as the soloist weeps and yells for freedom. The trains continues to march forward with the passenger stuck on the endless train ride.

- Program Note by composer

Media

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

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Works for Winds by This Composer

Resources

Brandon Dicks, personal correspondence
Brandon Dicks website Accessed 30 March 2019
Perusal score