Parkour

From Wind Repertory Project
Samuel Hazo

Samuel Hazo


Subtitle: l'Art du déplacement


General Info

Year: 2011
Duration: c. 5:45
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $125.00   |   Score Only (print) - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass 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
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V-VI-VII, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • China Cymbal
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Hi-hat
  • Ride Cymbal (18")
  • Snare Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

I became acquainted with parkour (l'art du déplacement) in early 2008 and was fascinated by its premise. To summarize, Parkour is the "art" of overcoming physical obstacles with the greatest amount of grace and perceived ease, although nothing about parkour is easy. The "artists" who do parkour are called traceurs (Traceuses, feminine) and their "tricking" maneuvers (parkour's term for moves or stunts) are tremendous feats of strength which appear to defy gravity. These moves have names that describe them literally: King Kong Vault, Cat to Cat, Wall Runs, Palm Spin, etc. Parkour's primary founder was Frenchman David Belle. Of all parkour's qualities, the one with which I was most impressed is that it is strictly non-competitive. Parkour stresses that each traceur be respected for the level that he/she has attained, even for beginners. As well, the only competition is with yourself; a philosophy I personally feel would improve the character of every generation.

This composition is my tonal description of Parkour. First and foremost, I based each theme's intervals on the steps taken by a traceur. Every theme in this piece contains ONLY minor/major 2nds (small steps) or minor/major 3rds (big steps or jumps) to symbolize the movements in Parkour.


Parkour was commissioned by the East Winds Symphonic Band of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Susan J. Sands, Conductor.

- Program Note by composer


Combining brash and aggressive rhythmic figures along with more gentle moments and inventive textures, this impressive work by Samuel Hazo is truly a standout for advanced bands. The piece is built around a four-note motif, which is developed and expanded throughout. A middle section features more of a jazzy flavor with saxes in the spotlight accompanied by finger snaps. The rhythmic intensity returns, building towards a glorious full ensemble affirmation and bringing this exciting work to a powerful conclusion.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

  • Georgia: VI
  • Indiana: ISSMA HIGH SCHOOL BAND GROUP I


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources