Fanfare on a Theme of Imagination

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2015
Duration: c. 2:00
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $40.00   |   Score Only (print) - $5.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

"Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." This powerful quote by Albert Einstein provides the inspiration behind this fanfare that celebrates creativity in schools. A majestic opening leads into a dynamic and fast-paced section that continues to build in energy until the final massive series of chordal statements.

- Program Note from publisher


Fanfare on a Theme of Imagination was commissioned to honor the grand opening of the All Saints Catholic School and the École Centennial School in Swift Current, Saskatchewan (Canada). The principals of both schools emphasized the need for the schools to be a place for learning and creativity, and in further illustration of this point, the schools were constructed with a great deal of input from students and teachers, including director of bands Ross Kuglin. Students contributed to murals, design concepts and more. I was struck by this emphasis on creativity, something that has been pulled away from many schools throughout the world, and this sparked my research into famous quotations about imagination and creativity, and I quickly stumbled upon this well-known quote:

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

- Albert Einstein

This quote and the resulting music serve to remind us how powerful creativity and imagination can be. Cornerstones of our humanity, they allow us to reach new heights when fully explored. Knowledge will always be important in society, but it will never have the same influence as those who bring extraordinary creativity and imagination to what they do. Le this piece serve as a reminder to those who have forgotten – our futures lies in the imagination and creativity of today's youth.

- Program Note from score


A majestic opening leads to a spirited section with driving percussion and a bold melody stated initially by the clarinets. Other sections are added as the intensity builds, moving the composition to a powerful conclusion.

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist


Media


State Ratings

  • North Carolina: II


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources