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Monograms (for Symphonic Band)

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Monograms (for Band)

Mark Wolfram


General Info

Year: 1996
Duration: c. 11:30
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Sound Studio Publications
Cost: Score and Parts - $125.00 USD   |   Score Only - $50.00 USD


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Eb Soprano Clarinet
Bb Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bb Contrabass Clarinet
Eb Alto Sax I-II
Bb Tenor Sax
Eb Baritone Sax
Bb Trumpet I-II-III
Bb Cornet I-II
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Trombone III (Bass)
Euphoniums
Tubas
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Cymbal (crash and suspended)
  • Glockenspiel (bells)
  • Gong (Tam-Tam)
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells (chimes)
  • Vibraphone
  • Woodblock
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Monograms is an original concert work for band, the title of which refers to the initials of people associated with its creation, most prominently Dr. Earl C. Benson (to whom the work is dedicated).

Monograms is a serial composition that's accessible and enjoyable to all audiences, not just theorists and composers. After working extensively with a tone row the composer chose more freedom to develop the material than a strict adherence to 12-tone technique was providing. The Main Theme (using the original row as a basis) is warm and brooding with rich sonority. The harmonization of this theme is based in 4th and 5th structures and some jazz voicings - the foundation for the composition.

The work has two main sections. The first section (slow tempo) deals with the Main Theme in its original form. The section then becomes more rhythmic in the Double Reeds and Clarinets, accelerating gradually while expressive Alto Saxophone and Trumpet solos play over a resounding French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba motif. After further development the slow section ends with the French Horns, Euphonium and Tuba reharmonizing the original "E-C-B" monogram, answered subtly by the Woodwinds.

The second section (fast tempo) begins with a cascade of the "E-C-B" monogram moving sequentially from upper to lower Brass followed by an ascending scale in the Woodwinds as the Brass and Suspended Cymbal crescendo. The Low Brass and Percussion then set up the rhythm for the second half of the piece. The Fast Theme in the Clarinets uses rhythmic and scale motifs which are an outgrowth of the Main Theme. After much development of the themes there are a few beats of silence which set up the final presentation of the themes. In this, the fullest and busiest section of the work, several elements are presented simultaneously, built around the Trumpets' and Trombones' rhythmically augmented statement of the Main Theme. In one last monogram statement, followed by a Percussion lead into a final pyramiding section (almost the opposite of the cascade which started the fast section) the work slows and crescendos as the harmonies build upon each other. In a final call, the Brass, Saxophones and Percussion proclaim the tri-tone interval, while the Woodwind trills grow in intensity to a resounding final chord.


Commercial Discography

None discovered thus far.


Media Links

  • Audio File: MP3


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Jefferson High School Concert Band (Earl C. Benson, conductor) - May 1996 WORLD PREMIERE
  • California State University Los Angeles Concert Band (David Caffey, conductor) - November 1996


Works for Winds by this Composer

Transcriptions


Resources




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