Suite Forty-Four

From Wind Repertory Project
Chandler Wilson

Chandler Wilson


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 19:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Bravo Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $250.00   |   Score Only (print) - $25.00


Movements

1. Movement I – 3:30
2. Movement II – 2:50
3. Movement III – 4:30
4. Movement IV – 3:10
5. Movement V – 5:00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

While an undergraduate music student at Florida A&M University, the composer had the honor of performing for presidential candidate Barack Obama on several occasions, the first being in Tampa in the spring of 2006. Obama was running in the middle of the Democratic presidential field as a relative unknown in Florida. After performing for, and standing behind, Obama on stage during his 45-minute speech, band members enthusiastically discussed on the band’s ride back to Tallahassee. Subsequent performances for Obama left Wilson and colleagues with a feeling of hope that they might be alive to see the first President of the United States of African American descent.

The inspiration for creating this work came while watching President Obama depart the Oval Office for the final time on inauguration day. As he walked out of the office, Wilson thought, “I could write a piece based on the swag in his walk.” Ideas came quickly to form a full suite.

Suite Forty-four is based upon the composer’s perception of, and admiration for, America’s 44th President. Each of the suite’s five movements has a distinct character and emotion.

Movement one gives a sense of mystery and wonder, asking the question, “Who is this man?” as he begins his climb in the ranks towards the Democratic nomination.

Movement two evokes someone ethical, pure, and upright, a role model and champion with the personality of a down-to-earth leader.

Movement three represents the “cool” personality of President Obama with a jazz-like structure that serves as reflections of the active jazz community in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

Movement four has a distinctive feel of unrest and turmoil, as President Obama dealt with adversity in the form of offensive comments and parodies, difficult questions about his background, and harsh statements directed toward his family.

The fifth (final) movement is a culmination of the four previous movements, a composite image of his time as the 44th President of the United States of America.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources