That Which Binds Us

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


Subtitle: Theme and Variation


General Info

Year: 2015
Duration: c. 7:10
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $85.00   |   Score Only (print) - $11.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass 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
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV-V, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • China Cymbals
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Hi-Hat
  • Marimba
  • Sizzle Cymbal
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-Tam
  • Tom-Tom
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Centered around the various stages of grief, the music cleverly uses theme and variations to take the audience on a roller coaster of emotions. From the everyday norm to moments of grief, anger, sorrow and acceptance, the powerful musical lines eventually lead into a massive ending reminiscent of Stravinsky's Firebird.

- Program Note from publisher


This dramatic new work explores joy and sorrow in the form of a theme and variations. The rhythmic introduction, marked “Allegro giocoso,” is based upon a three-note descending motif that is used throughout the work, beginning with the main thematic material played initially by solo alto saxophone with support from solo clarinet and solo flute. Each of the four subsequent variations has its own personality and reflects various stages of grief. The flowing first variation represents denial and isolation, the quicker second variation represents anger, the third variation (J = 60) is marked “desolate,” while the closing variation signifies acceptance.

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources