Overture for Winds (Carter)

Charles Carter

General Info

Year: 1959
Duration: c. 4:30
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Bourne
Cost: Score and Parts - $69.60 | Score Only - $15.25

Instrumentation

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

Bass Drum
Crash Cymbals
Snare Drum

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Overture for Winds was given its title by the publishers. This three-part overture has remained Carter’s most popular composition for band. The opening section has a theme which is robust and rhythmic in character. The second theme, slightly slower and expressive, is a free form based on the original idea. The last section is a repetition of the opening thematic ideas, building to a final climax.

- Program Note from Program Notes for Band

During his residency at Florida State University, Charles Carter composed Overture for Winds in the year 1959. This piece provides great challenges to both the performer and the audience members. The performers must execute tempo, dynamic and articulation changes without “giving away” abrupt shifts to the audience. For the audience, the piece can seem like a roller coaster ride of changes, shifting between fast and slow, yet seamlessly regaining strength and driving toward a brilliant close. This work is underplayed in wind band/ensemble programs, which is quite a shame given the strength and focus required to accomplish such a feat. Mr. Carter created a masterpiece of academic and entertainment value.

- Program Note from Illinois State University University Band concert program, 5 October 2017

Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)

State Ratings

Alabama: Class B
Arkansas: III
Florida: III
Georgia: IV
Iowa: III
Indiana: ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP III
Louisiana: III
Massachusetts: III
Michigan: Senior High C
Minnesota: III
Mississippi: I-A, II-A, III-A
New York: Concert Band III
North Carolina: IV
Oklahoma: III-A
South Carolina: IV
Tennessee: IV
Texas: III. Complete
Virginia: IV
Wisconsin: Event 3000 Concert Band.Class B Std Rep

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

The Ohio State University (Columbus) Collegiate Winds (Nathan Irby, conductor) - 5 December 2023
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Concert Band (Victor Ruiz, conductor) - 19 October 2023
Bowling Green (Ohio) State University University Band (Jonathan Waters, conductor) - 1 October 2023
Bemidji (Minn.) Area Community Band (Ryan Webber, conductor) - 2 July 2023
University of Missouri (Columbia) University Band (Christian M. Noon, conductor) - 23 February 2023
Oakland (Calif.) Municipal Band (Catherine De Vos, conductor) - 31 July 2022
Rutgers University (New Brunswick, N.J.) Symphony Band (Julia Baumanis, conductor) - 14 October 2021
Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.) Wind Symphony (Caroline Hand, conductor) - 20 April 2021
West Virginia University (Morgantown) Symphonic Band (Cheldon Williams, conductor) - 8 April 2021
Calvin University (Grand Rapids, Mich.) Symphonic Band (Tiffany Engle, conductor) - 12 March 2021
Kennesaw (Ga.) State University Wind Ensemble (David Kehler, conductor) - 17 February 2021
University of Kansas (Lawrence) University Band (Jacqueline Dawson, conductor) – 17 November 2020
University of Kentucky (Lexington) Concert Band (Michael Hudson, conductor) - 17 November 2020
Andrews University (Berrien Spring, Mich.) Wind Symphony (Byron Graves, conductor) - 24 October 2020
Orange High School (Pepper Pike, Ohio) Wind Ensemble (Brandon DuVall, conductor) – 28 February 2020
Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.) Concert Band (Adam Freidrich, conductor) – 26 February 2020
University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) Maroon Campus Band (Lance Sample, conductor) – 2 December 2019
University of South Alabama (Mobile) Symphony Band (Jason Rinehart, conductor) – 25 November 2019
The College of New Jersey (Ewing) Concert Band (Eric Laprade, conductor) – 18 October 2019
University of Arizona (Tucson) Symphonic Band (Trisha Balsco, conductor) - 25 April 2019

Works for Winds by This Composer

Resources

Carter, Charles (1959). Overture for Winds [score]. Bourne Co.: New York.
Miles, Richard B., and Larry Blocher. (2010). Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 1. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 350-358.
Smith, Norman E. (2002). Program Notes for Band. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 110.