Classic Overture in C

From Wind Repertory Project
François-Joseph Gossec

François-Joseph Gossec (ed. Richard Franko Goldman and Roger Smith)


General Info

Year: 1794 / 1955
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Theodore Presser
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $145.00   |   Score Only (print) - $8.99

For additional availability information, see Discussion tab, above.


Instrumentation

Condensed Score
C (or D-flat) Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II-III
B-flat Trumpet (div.)
Horn in F (or E-flat) I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

In 1789, a group of forty-five wind and percussion players, gathered together by a young musician named Sarrette, formed the band of the National Guard. A year later the band had increased to seventy members with Francois Joseph Gossec as bandmaster. Gossec's interest in the wind band was demonstrated by three symphonies, several marches, and many hymns for choir and winds which he wrote while living in Paris.

The Overture in C was written in 1794 and is one of the many works written for large wind ensemble during the Classical period. The wind band had become immensely popular in the revolutionary period of French history and occupied an important place in the many festivals, parades, and rallies held by the revolutionaries. This overture shows the wind band at its best. The tripartite structure is simple and unadorned, without lengthy codas or extended developments. It remains throughout a work of beauty and charm that is thoroughly idiomatic of the group for which it was composed.

- Program Note by William V. Johnson for the Cuesta Wind Ensemble concert program, 15 December 1996


Media


State Ratings

  • Indiana: ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP II
  • Kansas: V
  • Louisiana: III
  • Maryland: V
  • North Carolina: V
  • Tennessee: IV


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by this Composer


Resources

  • Gossec, F.; Goldman, R.; Smith, R. (1955). Classic Overture in C [score]. Mercury Music: N.Y.