Burning the Wickerman

From Wind Repertory Project
Julie Giroux

Julie Giroux


N.B. Some sources spell the word as "wicker man" rather than "wickerman."


General Info

Year: 2020
Duration: c. 4:15
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Music Propria
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto 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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium I-II
Tuba
Double Bass
Timpani
Piano
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V-VI, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Tam-Tam
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Man has burned effigies of objects as a way of celebration for hundreds if not thousands of years. Historically, a wicker man was a large wicker construction in the shape of a man that was reportedly used by the ancient pagan Druids. Hollow inside, it has been recorded that the Druids would confine a human sacrifice within, usually somebody guilty of a crime worthy of a death sentence.

This work does is not a musical reflection of ancient practices but of modern ones. There are many different celebrations using giant wicker man effigies around the world. They are used as art displays, at music festivals and a wicker man was also used as thematic material in a song by the rock band Iron Maiden.

Burning the Wickerman is an exciting, dramatic work depicting the building of a wicker man followed by its burning. While melodically it is sinister at times, that is not a reflection on the history, but on the properties of fire itself. The piece ends with the Wickerman engulfed in flames as a celebration of new beginnings.

Composed for the 2020 Music for All National High School Honor Band,Timothy J. Holton, conductor, but not performed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources