Fifty Shades of E

From Wind Repertory Project
Johan de Meij

Johan de Meij


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General Info

Year: 2016
Duration: c. 16:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Amstel Music
Cost: Score and Parts – €275.00   |   Score Only (print) - €50.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone I-II
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Timpani
Percussion

(percussion detail desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Fifty Shades of E is a musical expedition to discover the myriad nuances of the note E. Throughout the work, the E keeps one foot on centre stage while venturing out through various movements. From its basic tonal functions to when it shimmers under a lyrical guise, the E is seen, heard and experienced from every aural angle.

After a short, mysterious introduction in the low brass and percussion, a straightforward unison chorale melody is played by the entire ensemble. This thematic subject will only emerge fully at the end of the work. The subsequent fugue on the chorale theme begins in the bass register and gradually soars via superimposed fifths within the whole orchestra. At the same time, the tonal idiom becomes more and more unruly. The various groups reunite in a massive rhythmic unison, which lands in E major. The melodic percussion and piano continue by playfully engaging the E, using minimalistic, repeating patterns with skittish, consonant additions. The chorale theme soon emerges in four different rhythmic and melodic passages in - successively - trombones, horns, saxophones and clarinets. With deliberation, the rhythmic pattern grinds slowly to a halt. In a free cadenza, six solo woodwinds break the mood by visiting and embellishing the main theme, one after another, from high to low. After a quasi-Beethovian sequence leading to the main theme in a minor key, a radiant conclusion follows – inevitably – into a sounding unison E over seven octaves.

- Program Note from publisher


Awards

  • First Prize, 6th International Composition Contest “City of Muro 2017” (Muro, Alicante, Spain)


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources