Ceremonial
General Info
Year: 1993
Duration: c. 13:35
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Helicon Music Corporation through Schott Music
Cost: Score and Parts - Rental | Score Only: $35.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
English Horn
Bassoon
Contrabassoon
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
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:
- Bass Drum
- Bongos (4)
- Gong (Tam-tam)
- Snare Drum
- Tom-Toms (3)
- Tubular Bells
- Vibraphone (2)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Ceremonial was commissioned by the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, for the University of Michigan Symphony Band, H. Robert Reynolds, Music Director. The work was premiered at the College Band Directors Association Convention in Columbus, Ohio on February 25, 1993.
- Program Note from the Score
Ceremonial is a monothematic composition in which a single, extended melody is repeated ten times during the course of the work. The melody, first stated by a solo bassoon, is subsequently played by various combinations of instruments, always increasing in density and in complexity of timbre. This latter quality is the central concern of the work, which employs unusual and unconventional mixtures of instrumental groups — sometimes in extreme registers — in order that the melody is continuously transformed.
Each statement of the melodic theme is separated from the next by a dense harmonic idea that serves to interrupt the forward motion of the melodic and rhythmic flow. At the outset, both harmonic and melodic ideas float free of any discernible meter or pulse. As specific rhythmic ideas are introduced and accrue in the percussion section, the music gradually takes on a regular beat that propels it to its concluding climax. The mood and pace of the music gradually, deliberately and inevitably moves through its rituals.
- Program Note by composer
Ceremonial is a dramatic work for full symphonic band with a hypnotic character that makes use of unusual timbres and timbral combinations. It seems obsessed with one harmony (the famous Petrushka chord: C Major against G-flat Major) and one long lyrical melody first presented by solo bassoon in its highest register.
- Program Note from Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble concert program, 30 January 2016
Media
- Audio: University of Texas at Arlington Wind Symphony (Douglas Stotter, conductor) - 2012
- Audio CD: Cincinnati Wind Symphony (Eugene Corporon, conductor).
- Audio CD: Eastman Wind Ensemble (Donald Hunsberger, conductor).
- Audio CD: New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble (Frank Battisti, conductor).
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Eastman School of Music (Rochester, N.Y.) Wind Ensemble (Mason St. Pierre, conductor) - 9 November 2022
- University of Washington (Seattle) Wind Ensemble (Timothy Salzman, conductor) – 30 May 2019
- University of Missouri, Kansas City, Wind Symphony (Steven D. Davis, conductor) – 27 February 2018
- University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wind Ensemble (Scott Teeple, conductor) – 25 February 2017
- Boston Conservatory Wind Ensemble (Eric Hewitt, conductor) – 30 January 2016
- Florida International University Wind Ensemble (Catherine Rand, conductor) - February 27, 2010
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Ceremonial (1993)
- Unending Lightning (2002)
Resources
- Bernard Rands website
- Miles, Richard B., and Larry Blocher. 2002. Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. Volume 4. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 764-771.
- Rands, B. (1993). Ceremonial: For Symphonic Wind Band [score]. Helicon Music Corp.: [United States]