Into the Arctic

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2015
Duration: c. 3:35
Difficulty: II-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $65.00   |   Score Only (print) - $7.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contrabass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • China Cymbals
  • Claves
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Low Tom-Tom
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This hauntingly aggressive work investigates the legends surrounding the exploration of Antarctica. Commissioned by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 7, the piece explores the concept of ice, portraying both its beauty and its treachery.

Inspired by recent brutal winters involving the polar vortex, the music depicts magical scenery as well as treacherous terrain. From mythological animals to secret tunnels documented throughout history but never found, Antarctica is a continent rich with legends. As these stories come to life, the music takes on a restless and increasingly aggressive tone. To best represent the continent, harmonic language constantly walks a fine line between dissonance and consonance, striking a balance between the sparkling beauty of ice and the danger it brings.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class CC
  • Texas: II. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Brian Balmages website Accessed 15 September 2020
  • "New Music Reviews." The Instrumentalist. January 2017, pp. 27.