Novae

Stacey J. Berk

General Info

Year: 2000
Duration: c. 6:05
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Cocobolo Music Press
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown

Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II (div.)
Oboe I-II
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III (div.)
B-flat Bass 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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

Bass Drum
Crash Cymbals
Glockenspiel
Suspended Cymbal
Temple Blocks (5)
Tom-toms (4)
Triangle
Vibraphone
Wind Chimes (metal)

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

A nova explosion occurs when a small, old dwarf star siphons gases off from a larger, younger neighboring star. As the gases form on the dwarf star’s surface, intense hydrogen pressure builds. When the heat and pressure reach a climax, the outer layers of hydrogen are blown off the star in a brilliant explosion. The effects of the explosion gradually fade and the siphoning process begins anew.

- Program Note from publisher

Novae was composed as a programmatic work for symphonic concert band, an ensemble that has both the power and the delicacy necessary to convey the sonic impression of the explosion of a star in deep space.

The form of Novae is based on the arch form suggested by the process of a nova. The work begins with a piccolo solo that represents the faint glow of a star in the distance, then builds to a climax with the explosion, and gradually fades once again to a glimmer. The harmonic language is based on two different five-note scales, each representing one of the two stars in the binary system.

Novae was commissioned by Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Jack Stamp, conductor of university bands.

- Program Note from Cocobolo Music

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Works for Winds by This Composer

Resources

The Horizon Leans Forward..., compiled and edited by Erik Kar Jun Leung, GIA Publications, 2021, p. 264.
Stacey Berk website Accessed 31 December 2020