Life Is But a Dream

Troy Armstrong

General Info

Year: 2014
Duration: c. 4:30
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Troy Armstrong
Cost: Score and Parts - $100.00

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
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass
Piano
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

Bass Drum
Bell Tree
Brake Drum
China Cymbal
Claves
Glockenspiel
Marimba
Mark Tree
Sleigh Bells
Stainless Steel Bowls (2)
Suspended Cymbal
Tam-Tam
Tambourine
Tom-Toms
Triangle
Vibraphone
Woodblock

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Life Is But a Dream was a commission from the Uhrmacher family in celebration of the life of their daughter, Hannah Uhrmacher. I chose the famous tale of Alice in Wonderland as inspiration not only because I am fascinated by Lewis Carroll’s whimsical story and characters, but also because I see a direct connection between Alice and Hannah. Just like Alice, Hannah was strong and brave in the face of adversity, ladylike with an adventurous side, friendly, and forever changed the people that she met. Hannah loved stories and was constantly reading books. By venturing into these tales every night before bed, she pursued Wonderland in her mind. The stories were a world her problems could not inhabit. There was no sickness and pain within these stories, just beautiful distraction. I hope this piece captures a fraction of the joy that Hannah brought to people’s lives. Prepare to take a trip with Hannah through the looking glass and enjoy the dream.

-Program Note by composer