Supplica

From Wind Repertory Project
Christopher Rouse

Christopher Rouse (transcribed by composer)


General Info

Year: 2013
Duration: c. 10:00
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
Cost: Unknown


Instrumentation

Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II-III
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Tuba
Vibraphone


Program Notes

The title Supplica means, perhaps unsurprisingly, "supplication" in Italian. There is no doubt in my mind that this work has a strong relationship to my Fourth Symphony, completed earlier in 2013. However, it is more of a challenge to define precisely what that relationship might be. It certainly is not a "completion of" nor "afterthought to" the symphony. It is also not some sort of "antipode" to this same symphony. Perhaps it might best be described as a "companion piece."

Both were works I felt an inner compulsion to write, but both also possess meaning for me that must remain personal. This certainly does not mean that either piece is intended to be "impersonal" — rather that what I hope will be heard as both an intimate and an impassioned communication in sound must mean to each listener what it will, without further intercession or guidance from the me.

Supplica is scored for an orchestra consisting of four horns, two trumpets, three trombones, harp, and strings; it lasts for approximately ten minutes.

Completed in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 2, 2013, Supplica was jointly commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra.

- Program Note by composer


Supplica was transcribed for wind ensemble by the composer. The premiere performance of Supplica on 19 February 2016 by the University of Texas (Austin) Wind Ensemble was dedicated to the memory of Steven Stucky.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Eastman School of Music (Rochester, N.Y.) Wind Orchestra (Mason St. Pierre, conductor) - 13 April 2022
  • University of Texas (Austin) Wind Ensemble (Jerry Junkin, conductor) – 19 February 2016 – *Transcription Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources