Prelude and Presto

From Wind Repertory Project
David Holsinger

David Holsinger


Subtitle: Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.


General Info

Year: 2018
Duration: c. 7:05
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: C.L. Barnhouse
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $125.00   |   Score Only (print) - $10.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bar Chimes
  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Orchestra Bells
  • Ribbon Crasher
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine, mounted
  • Tam-Tam
  • Temple Blocks
  • Tom-Tom
  • Wind Machine
  • Wood Block
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

David R. Holsinger returns to the band world with this first major composition written since his 2015 stroke. Commissioned to pay homage to Phi Beta Mu Band fraternity, it contains all those Holsinger compositional fingerprints we enjoy playing: the plaintive opening prelude, the poly-chordal texture, followed by the robust presto we expect from this composer. Vigorous asymmetrical melodies are evident, along with jubilant rhythms, fluctuating accents, poly-lineal textures, multi-layered, and electrifying excitement to the end.

- Program Note from publisher


Phi Beta Mu was established as a result of the respect and appreciation Colonel Earl D. Irons had for his professional associates and school band directors. Col. Irons was bandmaster and chairman of fine arts at the University of Texas at Arlington, then known as North Texas Agricultural College. He envisioned an organization that would honor outstanding band directors whose dedication and devotion to their profession was paramount, but whose admirable traits and services were not necessarily known nationally. Col. Irons sought to honor deserving individuals on a state level similar to the manner in which the American Bandmasters Association had honored him in 1936.

I admit that when I first read the history of this organization, and by word association, the Proverbs 27 verse that mentions “Iron sharpens iron...” immediately jumped into my mind. Having worked at the University of Texas at Arlington as the conductor of their summer camp band for almost 15 years, I was very used to seeing the picture of Col. Irons on the music building wall. Of course, my long history with Charles “Pete” Wiley had given me a lot of insight, as his father, Dr. D. O. Wiley was a close associate of Irons, and a charter member of this band fraternity in 1936. Beyond the obvious play on words, I quickly realized that the importance of that phrase went beyond the first words. "Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." People helping people. Experience mentoring the less experienced.

This phrase from Proverbs seemed highly appropriate as a secondary line to the title of this composition, the first written since my stroke two years ago. It was a chance to write this piece for a fraternity who saw fit to honor me in 2011 with their Outstanding Bandmaster of the Year award. Their faith in my craft sharpened my resolve to overcome the challenges of that health event

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Florida (Gainesville) Symphonic Band (John M. Watkins, Jr., conductor) – 23 April 2019


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources