Invictus (Wolfram)

From Wind Repertory Project
Mark E. Wolfram

Mark Wolfram


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 9:15
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Sound Studio Publications
Cost: Score and Parts - $95.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass 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-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Mallets, including:

  • Orchestra Bells
  • Tubular Chimes
  • Vibraphone

Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Piatti
  • Snare Drum

Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Invictus (for Concert Band) is a rhapsodic tone poem inspired by William Ernest Henley's 1875 poem. Henley, an atheist and tuberculosis and amputee survivor, wrote the poem as his response to the horrific events befalling him. It was originally published with no title. The title Invictus was added to the poem in 1900 by editor Arthur Quiller-Couch when it was included in The Oxford Book of English Verse.

The music follows the emotional arc of the poem -- initially dark and brooding -- and ultimately moving to a place of confidence and triumph. Its performance requires a mature ensemble -- patient, measured, with a strong sense of inner rhythm. The slow tempo proceeds unabated from beginning to end -- like an undeniable force. While starting with a sense of foreboding, the piece weathers on through the onslaught of life's circumstances and emerges "unconquered". ("Invictus" is the Latin word for "unconquered".)

Invictus is an original composition which highlights angular melodies, several step-out solos, colorful sonorities and large emotional tutti sections -- all while combining several composition styles in a blend which is both intellectually satisfying and aesthetically pleasing.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources