River of Light

From Wind Repertory Project
Allen Vizzutti

Allen Vizzutti


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General Info

Year: 2021
Duration: c. 12:40
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

Solo Trumpet

Chamber ensemble
Electric Bass
Piano
Harp

Violin
Cello
Double Bass

(Other instrumentation desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The River of Light was the result of Dr. Mark Scatterday’s request for a new piece for a small mixed ensemble of my choice. The original parameters were COVID dictated based on social distancing and other challenges of which we are all acutely aware. It was decided that I would not be able to attend the premier and perform -- again, because of COVID.

I asked Mark if he had any preferences for the new piece and he suggested a “crossover” work. Although that’s a very broad concept, I ran with it. Having a lot of experience playing and composing in multiple styles and genres, I decided to use a contemporary “fusion” approach for the jazz/rock portion of the piece including improvised solos. The music bookending the work is contrapuntal writing over a colorful pedal texture, creating two contrasting components.

The orchestration requires most of the players to leave their classical comfort zone and join the “dark side”, playing jazz fusion lines.

Was my writing influenced by knowing Mark and the Eastman Wind Ensemble [EWE] were going to play the new work? Absolutely! I make every effort to write correctly and wisely for each and every instrument and to a level that will work as well as possible in a particular setting. In this case that means I wrote whatever I wanted. So the music is tough, but I think it’s fun for the ensemble.

The title, River of Light, refers to a recent time when someone I love went through cancer treatment (they are doing fine now). A kind and wonderful family member suggested that this person imagine floating on a river of light during radiation treatments. It helped. I loved the image and used it here.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Eastman Wind Ensemble (Rochester, N.Y. (Mark Scatterday, conductor) - 13 September 2021 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources