Rain

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2008
Duration: c. 4:15
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company
Cost: Score and Parts - $45.00   |   Score Only - $5.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone


Errata

In Score and Parts:

  • Percussion, Suspended Cymbal and Bass Drum, m. 52: Missing a tremolo on the dotted half note


Program Notes

Rain is a gentle work with a great deal of expressiveness. It paints a picture of a quiet rainfall with distant rolling thunder. The sound of droplets hitting the ground often puts me at ease for a reason I cannot adequately describe. For this reason, I chose to explain my thoughts through music, which has always been a more powerful means of expression for me than words. The melodic and harmonic lines convey the complexity of rain -- the sadness it brings to some, the calmness it brings to others, and its ability to rejuvenate; the soft droplets outside our window that can be so relaxing, yet can also be the cause of a raging river. It is my hope that groups will experience a wide range of emotions as they rehearse and perform this work.

- Program Note by composer


This contemporary lyrical work gets away from the typical ballad written for bands at this level. Instead, thick harmonies and wonderful textures become the canvas of this amazingly artistic work that is quite approachable for young bands, yet very appropriate for mature bands as well. Striking musical moments and subtle effects may actually make this the most memorable piece on your program. Inspirational!

Rain was commissioned by the Virginia District 10 Band Directors for the All District Middle School Symphonic Band.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

  • Maryland: II


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Georgia (Athens) Seda Band (James Seda, conductor) - 22 January 2023
  • Arkansas Tech University (Russellville) Concert Band (Brendan Frazier, conductor) - 21 April 2022
  • Southeast Polk High School (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) Symphonic Band (Jacquelyn Meunier, conductor) - 2 March 2021
  • Panther Creek High School (Cary, N.C.) Wind Ensemble (Emily Krestar, conductor) – 21 November 2019
  • Eastern Shore Wind Ensemble (Chestertown, Md.) (Charles Thai, conductor) – 19 May 2019
  • University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) North Star Band (Emilie Bertram, conductor) – 30 April 2018
  • Prior Lake (Minn.) Middle School Honor Band (J. Nick Smith, conductor) – 1 March 2018
  • American Legion Symphonic Band (Pompano Beach, Fla.) (Jim McGonigal, conductor) – 3 May 2017 (ACB 2017 Annual Convention (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.))
  • Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo.) Concert Band (Jennifer Rubin, conductor) – 21 April 2016
  • Penn High School (Mishawaka, Ind.) Symphonic Band (Ray Cramer, conductor) – 17 December 2008 (2008 Midwest Clinic)


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources