Invictus (Balmages)

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2000
Duration: c. 9:40
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company, Inc
Cost: Score and Parts - $95.00   |   Score - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II (I doubles B-flat Soprano Saxophone)
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
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong (Tam-Tam)
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This piece was written for my grandfather, J. Kermit Lief. It is my tribute to him at the time of his death. The work is based on his favorite poem, Invictus by William Ernest Henley, a poem my grandfather knew and loved his entire life.

The various sections of the piece reflect the stages of my grandfather's life. The first explores our existence ... the question of our origin. A powerful chorale with woodwind flourishes represents birth -- the beginning of life. This grows into a second section, life itself. The allegro passage is my personal way of celebrating my grandfather's life and all of the wonderful things he accomplished. It reflects his good spirit and his desire to help others.

The third and final section of the work represents death and beyond. For a brief moment, we return to the initial question of existence. Then a heartfelt brass chorale begins, at first mourning his death, then becoming more glorious, leading to a peaceful resolution. The question of our existence returns once more before the brass sound the final chords, resolving the tension. This is a representation of the resting place of my grandfather -- in heaven and in my heart.

-Program note by composer


Media


State Ratings

  • Georgia: VI
  • Indiana: ISSMA HIGH SCHOOL BAND GROUP I
  • Kansas: V
  • Louisiana: IV
  • Maryland: V
  • Tennessee: VI


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources