Joy of Life

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


Subtitle: Joie de Vivre


General Info

Year: 2015
Duration: c. 6:45
Difficulty: IV 1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Co.
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $90.00   |   Score Only (print) - $16.00


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
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-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Cabasa
  • Chimes
  • China Cymbals
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Hi-Hat
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Tom-Tom
  • Triangle
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Commissioned by the concert band of Lafayette, Louisiana, Gerald Guilbeaux, conductor, this work is inspired by the vibrant joie de vivre (joy of life) of the Cajun culture. Rich and colorful traditions of Cajun music drive this composition forward with exciting melodies, rhythmic countermelodies, and elements of blues and jazz sparkling through like shimmering sunlight on heavy Spanish moss.

The contrasting somber but lyrical middle section, Adagio, molto espressivo, is based on the Navy hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, and features solos for euphonium, bassoon, horn, and oboe. At the coda the tempo returns to the original and feature a fugal section that builds to a heroic final chorale. As the music draws to a conclusion, three powerful chords form a satisfying and powerful "Amen" to close the work.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class A


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources