Radix Tyrannis

From Wind Repertory Project
Peter Van Zandt Lane

Peter Van Zandt Lane


Subtitle: Concerto for Trombone and Wind Ensemble


General Info

Year: 2017
Duration: c. 15:40
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Peter Van Zandt Lane
Cost: Score and Parts – Available after January 2018


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
C Trumpet I-II
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II
Tuba
Piano
Percussion I-II, including

  • Brake Drum (large and medium)
  • Concert Toms
  • Crash Cymbal (suspended)
  • Kick Drum
  • Tam-Tam (medium)
  • Timbales
  • Tom-Tom
  • Triangle (large and medium)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Radix Tyrannis is a concerto for trombone and wind ensemble in one movement. The title, meaning "the root of tyrants" refers to an often cited excerpt from Plato's Republic: "The people have always some champion whom they set over them and nurse into greatness.... This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector."

I composed the work thinking of ways the soloist might be cast in the archetype of a tyrant, how the ensemble (the people) would lift him into his position, and how the power of the soloist/tyrant might be used and abused in a purely musical setting. The piece culminates in my attempt at composing-out a coup d'état between the soloist and wind ensemble, ultimately leaving the tyrant (soloist) stripped of his power (virtuosity) and in a position of vulnerability.

Radix Tyrannis was commissioned by American Chamber Winds and trombonist Joseph Alessi at the request conductor David Waybright, whom I must thank profusely for supporting my music. This piece was also made possible by a faculty research grant from the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts at the University of Georgia.

- Program Note by composer


Media

Audio: Reference recording. American Chamber Winds (David Waybright, conductor)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources