Symphony in B-Flat (ed Kitelinger)

From Wind Repertory Project
Paul Fauchet

Paul Fauchet (ed. Shannon Kitelinger)


General Info

Year: 1926 / 2015
Duration: c. 29:20
Difficulty: V(see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Manuscript
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Movements

1. Overture - 10:45
2. Nocturne - 5:05
3. Scherzo - 5:45
4. Finale (Allegro militaire) - 5:20


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Flugelhorn I-II
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Euphonium I-II
Tuba I-II
String Bass (optional)
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Snare Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Symphony in B-flat (1926), known in Europe as Symphonie Pour Musique d’Harmonie, is a four-movement symphony composed in the style of late romantic composers and is considered one of the milestones of the wind band repertoire. Originally written for the Guarde Républicaine Band in Paris, the Symphony in B-flat was premiered by that ensemble in 1926. Its first American performance occurred on February 18, 1933, by the Carleton College Symphony Band under the direction of James Robert Gillette who, with the help of Frank Campbell-Watson, rescored and republished the symphony.

In a traditional four-movement form, vivo-lento-scherzo-vivo, Paul Fauchet’s Symphony in B-flat can be categorized as classical form. Its architecture makes reference to the models of the early nineteenth century as well as reference to broader works presented by the great romantic symphonists. This work is a pure example of both traditional French symphonies, such as Camille Saint-Saëns and other late nineteenth-century Ars Gallica composers, as well as the esthetics of the Roaring Twenties, such as Maurice Ravel or the modern Groupe des Six.

Certain musicologists tend to consider this work to be a suite in four movements more than a symphony in the strictest sense of the word. Besides the debates about its form, Fauchet’s music is precisely constructed. Its structural balance allows it to reveal a significant melodic richness and dense, sophisticated orchestral structures. The organ-like rich sonority is without doubt far from the French classical ideal that is based on transparency and lightness. The chosen instrumentation emphasizes this musical trait, in particular the use of the French manufactured saxhorns in the brass section.

- Program Note from University of North Texas Wind Symphony concert program, 3 November 2016


Commercial Discography


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Acadian Wind Symphony (Lafayette, Louisiana) (Gerald Guilbeaux, conductor) - 30 June 2017
  • University of North Texas (Denton) Wind Symphony (Eugene Migliaro Corporon, conductor) - 3 November 2016


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources