Bringer of War

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


Subtitle: After Holst


General Info

Year: 2017
Duration: c. 2:15
Difficulty: 1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: FJH Music Company
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $125.00   |   Score Only (print) - $18.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Tam-Tam
  • Tom-Tom


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Inspired by the masterful work The Planets by Gustav Holst, this original piece pays homage to the dramatic first movement. Using only six notes in all instruments, the music has the powerfully ominous quality of Mars that has enthralled generations of listeners with bold, majestic melodies and rhythmic ostinato.

- Program Note from publisher


Commissioned by the Elementary Schools of Fox Chapel Area School District (Penn.) and inspired by Gustav Holst’s amazing orchestral work The Planets, this original work pays homage to the first movement of the suite. Mars, The Bringer of War, opening with a two-measure ostinato, begins to evolve as various sections add layers of sound. Following the basic form of Holst’s masterpiece, the introduction becomes very powerful before moving into a softer and more lyrical section, with the ostinato staying present. The height of the piece is reached as the full brass and low woodwinds perform the menacing theme underneath the continuing ostinato in the high woodwinds. The work ends as the ostinato is broken and the music slows down dramatically, echoing the ending of the original.

- Program Note by Rich Pauch for the Wheaton Municipal Band concert program, 21 December 2017


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


All Wind Works


Resources