Iridescent Transit

From Wind Repertory Project
Eric M. Smedley

Eric M. Smedley


Subtitle: An Improvised Work for Winds and Percussion


General Info

Year: 2022
Duration:
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Eric Smedley
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Iridescent Transit is a mostly improvised work for wind band, created to stimulate the imaginative side of the musicians in my ensemble. Learning to interpret another person’s written music notation should just be a portion of what a musician is able to do. Creative aspects of music making should be embraced more readily as they engage the human spirit in ways that foster individual inventiveness and connection between players. Improvisation is prevalent in many musical mediums; however, it is mostly absent from modern classical performance. As the world of symphonic music looks to the future, we must consider our role moving forward. Are we relegated to being musical curators of the wind band canon, or should we find ways to be part of the creative fabric? If creativity in classical music is left solely to composers, the art of performance may grow irreparably stale and stagnant.

As a starting off point, I created an eight-bar chaconne in 4/4 (as opposed to the usual 3/4). Inspired by the form and orchestration of Gustav Holst’s First Suite in E-flat. mvt. I, the chaconne makes its way through the instruments much the same way as Holst’s chaconne. The chaconne theme is also inverted for a time like the Holst. The pitch material used throughout belongs within two octatonic sets, one set for the initial chaconne and one for the inverted version. Surrounding this chaconne throughout is improvised material from the players. Everyone has a chance to improvise a melody at least once. Loose parameters are given throughout for the accompanimental material, which is entirely created by the players. Rehearsals focused on collaboration between the players, with guidance from me on how to add variety and nuance to their creations.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Indiana University (Bloomington) Symphonic Band (Eric M. Smedley, conductor) – 29 March 2022 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources