Inchon

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith


General Info

Year: 2001
Duration: c. 10:15
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $87.00; (digital) - $87.00   |   Score Only (print) - $15.00; (digital) - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II (I doubling English Horn)
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra-Alto 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
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Piano/Synthesizer
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Ocean Drums
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-tam
  • Triangle
  • Wind Chimes
  • Xylophone


Errata

In score and parts:

  • Oboe I/English Horn, m.130-134: Should be transposed up a fifth since it's written for solo English Horn.


Program Notes

Honoring the "forgotten war," Robert W. Smith offers this significant work in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Korean conflict. It's beautifully scored to balance the delicate oriental melodies with the dramatic and frenzied passages that mirror the conflict. Colorfully orchestrated, with percussion simulating the sound of a helicopter landing and parts for piano and alto flute (with cues for C flute), it is a thoroughly stunning tonal collage.

- Program Note from publisher


The composer described the piece in the following words:

On September 15, 1950, the First Marine division under the command of Major General Oliver P. Smith, led the first major U.N. force strike in North Korean-occupied territory, with a surprise amphibious assault at Inchon. The First Marine Division Reconnaissance Company made the first helicopter landing on Hill 812 to relieve the ROK Eighth Division during the renewed fighting. In five days of textbook-style campaigning, the division closed in on Seoul. In house-to-house fighting, the Marines wrested the city from its communist captors by September 27.

Inchon was inspired by this historic event. From the quiet sound of the waves on the lonely Korean beach to the landing of the helicopter on Hill 812, Inchon explores this clashing of cultures through sound. Even the simple Korean prayer in the center of the piece is answered by the more powerful Western statement of the same melody. As quickly as the invasion begins, it ends as the helicopters fly into the distance, leaving the beach once again in solitude.

- Program Note from U.S. Marine Band concert program, 23 February 2020


Dedicated in loving memory of my father, Staff Sergeant Benjamin F. Smith, U.S. Army (Retired), a heroic veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Minnesota: II
  • South Carolina: IV


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro) Symphonic Band (Craig Cornish, conductor) - 16 November 2023
  • Northern Illinois University (DeKalb) Wind Symphony (Dani'ca Richardson, conductor) – 21 October 2022
  • Wooster (Ohio) High School Symphonic Band (Craig French, conductor) - 30 January 2022 (Severance Music Center, Cleveland)
  • State University of New York Oswego Wind Ensemble (Trevor Jorgensen, conductor) - 1 December 2021
  • Bridgewater (Va.) College Symphonic Band (Christine Carrillo, conductor) - 7 November 2021
  • Franklin (Mass.) High School Wind Ensemble (Diane Plouffe, conductor) – 10 December 2019
  • Bethel College (Mishawaka, Ind.) Wind Ensemble (Michael Kendall, conductor) – 16 November 2017
  • Keene (N.H.) State College Concert Band (Kenneth Ballou, conductor) – 23 April 2015
  • Banda de Armada (Portugal) (Carlos Ribeiro, conductor) – 2014
  • Adams State College Wind Ensemble (Alamosa, Colorado) (Rod MacGillivray, conductor) – 20 January 2007 ((Colorado State Music Educator's Association Conference, Colorado Springs, Colorado)


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources