Breaking Point

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 9:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $100.00   |   Score Only (print) - $6.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contrabass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass 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 I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bar Chimes
  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales (higher octave only; 2 bows required)
  • Marimba
  • Mark Tree
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Tam-tam (large)
  • Tom-toms (4)
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Written over a several month period when the composer’s father was dying, the composer states: “Throughout this entire experience, I have reached my own breaking point. Over and over again. So I fall apart, put myself together, and am then broken all over again.” One of the most emotional and powerful pieces Balmages has ever written, there are moments of untamed beauty, anger, rage, hope, despair, and frustration.

- Program Note from publisher

N.B. Further extended notes may be found in the perusal score.


Commissioned by the Cumberland High School Band, Cumberland, Wisconsin; Daniel Hopkins, director.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Texas: IV. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources