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Incantation and Ritual (Balmages)

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2004
Duration: c. 2:20
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company, Inc
Cost: Score and Parts - $50.00   |   Score - $6.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Claves
  • Cymbals (crash and suspended)
  • Glockenspiel
  • Rainstick
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Tom-Toms (2)
  • Triangle
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This fantastic work conjures up images of an ancient tribal gathering. The opening's mysterious Incantation uses a soft, chant-like melody with slight intrusions by the percussion, foreshadowing the intense ritual to follow. As the opening builds, the driving beat of the ritual takes over with great fire. Percussion infuses this work with relentless energy as the piece draws to a powerful conclusion.

Incantation and Ritual was commissioned by the East Stroudsburg (PA) School District South Combined Fifth Grade Band, Melody Schamp and Kaytye Clogg, directors.

-Program Note by Publisher


Incantation and Ritual is reminiscent of an ancient tribal gathering. It opens with a slow mysterious melody that should sound like a soft chant. The occasionally repeated percussion sounds break the calm atmosphere then retreat back into the texture. The ritual section is characterized with great fire and energy supported by a wealth of percussion.

Use the opening as a vehicle to teach sustainment to younger players. Students should sustain all whole notes their full value, especially when flutes and clarinets take a breath in measure 2. The entire opening is extremely legato. Beginning in measure 16, work with students to gradually increase air flow for an even crescendo into measure 20. In the ritual section, all notes should have some lift, but make sure there is a difference in length between quarter and eighth notes.

Percussion 3 is an optional part altogether. It is best to secure enough players for this part before adding a second player to the doubles tom-tom part.

-Program Note by composer


Commercial Discography

Reference Recording Unknown conductor and ensemble


State Ratings

Georgia: I
Indiana: Junior Band Group III
Mississippi: 2A
North Carolina: I
South Carolina: I
Tennessee: II
West Virginia: I


Recent Performances

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Additional Works for Winds by this Composer


Additional Resources



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