Renaissance Reimagined

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2017
Duration: c. 4:40
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Co.
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $75.00; (digital) - $75.00   |   Score Only (print) - $9.00


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-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Tambourine
  • Tom-Tom, low
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This stunning work pays homage to regal Renaissance-style music while completely reimagining it with contemporary twists and turns. The noble nature is represented by themes that weave throughout, eventually coming together and blending duple and triple meters for an aggressive and glorious closing climax.

- Program Note from publisher


Renaissance Reimagined was commissioned in honor of the 20th anniversary of St. John Paul II Catholic High School (Huntsville, Alabama; Bruce Zeiger, Director of Bands). Much as the school has transformed over the years, this music takes a look at Renaissance-style music and then reimagines it in a completely new way, while still paying homage to the original. While the source material for this piece is completely original, it is clearly written with a strong nod toward Renaissance music. The harmonies are largely indicative of the style, yet some occasional contemporary harmonies emerge to foreshadow the development about to take place. As the piece moves into a faster tempo, rhythm takes on a central role and the orchestration becomes heavier with more layered elements. Throughout this evolution, the opening eight notes of the piece continue to emerge, sometimes in fragments while other times in full form. These fragments continue to develop as the harmonic rhythm of the piece accelerates.

The final element of layering begins where the opening theme returns in duple against the triple meter of the presto section. The orchestration continues to develop, becoming more powerful until the final powerful statement in the timpani and brass. Symbolically, this final section combines “old” and “new,” fusing the two together in something better than the sum of its parts. A school that is 20 years old can still be identified with its past, yet can be celebrated in a modern, more contemporary way with current students.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Texas: III. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Arkansas Winds Community Concert Band (Michael Ferguson, conductor) - 25 February 2023
  • University of South Alabama (Mobile) Symphony Band (Jason Rinehart, conductor)– 24 April 2018
  • University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) Concert Band (Heath Nails, conductor) – 7 March 2018
  • The Alabama Winds (Tuscaloosa) (David Gregory, conductor) - 20 December 2017 (2017 Midwest Clinic)


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources