Flight of the Griffin

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2003
Duration: c. 7:10
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company, Inc
Cost: Score and Parts - $85.00   |   Score - $8.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
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, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Cymbals (crash and suspended)
  • Finger Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong (Tam-Tam)
  • Marimba
  • Sleigh Bells
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Tom-Tom (medium)
  • Triangle
  • Wind Chimes
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Flight of the Griffin was commissioned by the Lincoln-Way East High School Music Boosters for the Lincoln-Way East Wind Symphony.

The concept of this piece came from the griffin, which is the mascot of the school that commissioned this work. According to mythology, the griffin is a creature typically having the head, forepart, and wings of an eagle, and the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. It originated in ancient Middle Eastern legend, influencing many of the Indian sounds incorporated throughout the piece.

The opening depicts the origin and magnificence of this powerful creature. The middle of the work explores what a traveler would see when approaching the griffin's nest. It is said that the griffin would fly up to the mountains, then return to build its nest out of the gold that was found. The utter beauty and awe of such a sight provides the emotional basis from which this section is inspired. The final section takes the listener on an actual flight. One can fathom the tremendous wingspan and power as this magical creature takes flight.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Georgia: V
  • Maryland: IV
  • South Carolina: IV
  • Tennessee: IV


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources