Three Ostinatos (flex)

Roger Zare

General Info

Year: 2015 / 2020
Duration: c. 11:10
Difficulty: IV(see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Murphy Music Press
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00 | Score Only (print) - $25.00

Movements

1. Clockwork - 3:50
2. Song – 4:15
3. Celebration – 2:30

Instrumentation (Flexible)

Full Score
Part 1

Piccolo
Flute
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
Violin

Part 2

Flute
Oboe
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
Violin

Part 3

B-flat Soprano Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Violin
Viola

Part 4

B-flat Soprano Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Violin
Viola

Part 5

Bassoon
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
Horn in F
Trombone
Euphonium
Cello

Part 6

B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
Trombone
Euphonium
Cello
Bass
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

Bass Drum
Glockenspiel
Marimba
Suspended Cymbal
Tambourine
Tam-Tam
Triangle
Vibraphone
Xylophone

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Each movement of Three Ostinatos is based on a different repeated rhythmic pattern that spans the entire movement. The first movement moves like clockwork at a walking pace. Long melodies arc high above a mechanical ostinato that gradually transforms as the music proceeds. The euphonium and tuba are showcased with solos as the music eventually comes full circle, returning to the opening at the close.

The middle movement is haunting and lush, cast in a slow and cantabile 7/8 meter. The main melody is first played by a solo clarinet, who is joined by piccolo and vibraphone before the whole ensemble joins in. After an expansive climax, a solo horn gives a nostalgic return to the main theme. Closing the work is a quick polymetric celebration, overlaying melodies and rhythms in 5/8, 7/8, 3/4, and 3/2 and bringing the work to an energetic close.

- Program Note by composer

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Oyster Bay High School Wind Ensemble (Matthew Sisia, conductor)

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Symphony Band (Scott Corley, conductor) - 3 May 2021
Illinois State University (Normal) Foeller Band (Anthony C. Marinello, conductor) - 24 February 2021

Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music

All Aboard the Hoodlebug. See: Ghost Town Triptych
Buena Vista Furnace. See: Ghost Town Triptych
December Lullaby (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)
Ghost Town Triptych (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
- All Aboard the Hoodlebug (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
- Laurel Run (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
- Buena Vista Furnace (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
Interstellar Tarantella (Flex instrumentation) (2019/2020)
Laurel Run. See: Ghost Town Triptych
Mare Tranquillitatis (Octet) (Flex instrumentation) (2012/2020)
Meditation on Amen (Flex instrumentation) (2018/2020)
Three Ostinatos (Flex instrumentation) (2015/2020)
Water Bear Jig (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)

All Wind Works

Aerodynamics (2010)
Awakening (2023)
Bennu's Fire
Biomimicry (2019)
December Lullaby (2017)
December Lullaby (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)
Ghost Town Triptych (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
- All Aboard the Hoodlebug (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
- Laurel Run (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
- Buena Vista Furnace (Flex instrumentation) (2021)
Hydrostatics (2020)
Interstellar Tarantella (2019)
Interstellar Tarantella (Flex instrumentation) (2019/2020)
Lift-Off (2015)
Little Jig (2017)
Mare Tranquillitatis (2007/2012)
Mare Tranquillitatis (Octet) (Flex instrumentation) (2007/2012/2020)
Mare Tranquillitatis (Saxophone octet) (2007/2012)
Meditation on Amen (2018)
Meditation on Amen (Flex instrumentation) (2018/2020)
Ocean of Undiscovered Truth (2019)
Pastorale (2021)
Tangents (2014)
Three Ostinatos (2015)
Three Ostinatos (Flex instrumentation) (2015/2020)
Water Bear Jig (2017)
Water Bear Jig (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)
We Choose to Go to the Moon (2020)

Resources