Via Claudia

From Wind Repertory Project
Johan de Meij

Johan de Meij


Subtitle: An Imaginary Journey Across the Alps


General Info

Year: 2012
Duration: c. 15:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Amstel Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - €180.00   |   Score Only (print) - €50.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
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
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-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Cow Bells
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Field Drum
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Sheet of Newspaper
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-tam
  • Triangle (2)
  • Tubular Bells
  • Woodblock
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone

Alphorn in F


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Symphonic Wind Orchestra Landeck was founded in 1637, and is one of the oldest ensembles in the world. It was a distinct honor to write a commissioned work for their 375th anniversary in 2012 – I don’t get requests like this on a daily basis, particularly from a wind orchestra of such storied history. After taking a quick dive into the history of Landeck, a picturesque town in Tyrol, Austria, I learned how the town was a way station on the Via Claudia Augusta. This old Roman road was the main link between the Italian Po Valley and the German city of Augsburg.

In Via Claudia, the orchestra takes the listeners on a journey across the Alps, which begins on a misty morning near Venice. In a stately procession the travelers master an arduous climb and navigate bumpy trails and steep mountain passes. When the highest point is reached, the sun breaks through wispy clouds and they behold the breathtaking alpine scenery of the valley. The tour continues to a flowering alpine meadow with peacefully grazing cows. An alphorn sounds from afar -- the echoes bounce between the steep mountain walls. The approach to Landeck is illustrated by brilliant brass fanfares. Finally, the end of the journey, the arrival in Augsburg, is marked by a triumphant hymn.

Via Claudia received its world premier in 2012 during the Anniversary Concert of the Symphonic Wind Orchestra Landeck, conducted by the composer. The work is dedicated to conductor Helmut Schmid, who initiated this commissioning project.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources