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Hypnotic Fireflies

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Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2012
Duration: c. 3:55
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company
Cost: Score and Parts - $15.00   |   Score Only - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Contra Alto Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone I-II
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet I-II
Horn in F
Trombone I-II
Euphonium (Bass Clef & Treble Clef)
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Timpani
Mallet Percussion I-II
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Snare Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Amplified metal slinky
  • Bar Chimes
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • China Cymbals
  • Finger Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This creative commissioned work was inspired by the composer’s vision of an open field on a summer night, with thousands of fireflies lighting up the darkness. Intended to take listeners on a metaphorical journey, the piece envisions being hypnotized by the flashing lights from a distance before awakening in the middle of the field surrounded by their magnificent glow. A soft introduction, initially featuring piano accompanied by soft metallic sounds from percussion, represents the view of the field and the twinkling lights from a distance, The music slowly intensifies to a point that listeners soon find themselves in the middle of the field surrounded by the fireflies. Driving rhythms and thick textures represents the lights reaching their peak, before the glow and musical intensity begins to fade. The hypnotic effect occurs again as listeners are transported back to their original location observing the fireflies from afar before being engulfed by darkness and silence. The piano is an essential part of the piece, and a part is also included for amplified metal slinky.

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist, Aug. 2013, p. 41.


Commercial Discography

None discovered thus far.


Audio Links


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Missouri (Columbia) University Band (Amy M. Knopps, conductor) – 27 February 2020
  • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Middle School Songer Honor Band (Eric Songer, conductor) – 30 January 2020
  • Scarsdale (N.Y.) High School Symphonic Band (Brian Balmages, conductor) – 21 February 2019 (Belfast, Northern Ireland)
  • Casteel High School (Queen Creek, Ariz.) Symphonic Band (Drew Eary, conductor) – 26 April 2018
  • Berea (Ky.) College Wind Ensemble (James Dreiling, conductor) – 25 October 2016
  • San Jose Wind Symphony (Edward Harris, conductor) - 9 March 2014
  • Cabrillo College (Aptos, Calif.) Symphonic Winds (Jon Nordgren, conductor) - 19 May 2013


Works for Winds by this Composer


References

  • Balmages, B. (2012). Hypnotic Fireflies [score]. FJH Music: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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