Message on the Rock, The

From Wind Repertory Project
Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon


This work bears the designation Opus 102


General Info

Year: 2004
Duration: c. 4:40
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Alfred Music Publishing
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $58.00; (digital) - $58.00   |   Score Only (print) - $6.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The inspiration for this piece came from the scenes and speeches on a rock emblazoned with battle scenes from our nation's history. The opening is a military-sounding march that leads to a solemn section over which a narrator reads the famous speeches painted on the rock while a muted trumpet plays Taps. The initial march theme returns, with fragments of numerous patriotic melodies juxtaposed with the original melody that grows to an exhilarating ending.

- Program Note from publisher


The Message on the Rock was commissioned by the East Central Middle School Honor Band for a performance in Brookings, South Dakota. The piece is a musical representation of rather unusual artwork that can be found in a field west of Des Moines, in Adair County, Iowa.

Artist Ray Sorensen of Greenfield, Iowa, discovered a rock that had, for some time, been painted with graffiti. He decided that the rock should be properly painted once and for all and did so with truly remarkable skill. He emblazoned the sides of the rock with battle scenes from our nation's history, including Washington's crossing of the Delaware and a scene from 9-11. Fragments of speeches from American presidents are included and an American flag drapes the rock – now known as Freedom Rock.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


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