Vast and Curious

From Wind Repertory Project
James Stephenson

James Stephenson


Subtitle: For French Horn, Tuba and Wind Ensemble


General Info

Year: 2014 / 2017
Duration: c. 13:55
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Stephenson Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $300.00; (digital) - $300.00   |   Score Only (print) - $60.00


Movements

1. – 3:45
2. – 6:03
3. – 4:05


Instrumentation

Full Score
Solo Horn in F
Solo Tuba
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
C Bass Clarinet (or B-flat Bass Clarinet)
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Piano
Harp
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Sandpaper Blocks
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Tenor Drum
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Regarding Vast and Curious, originally written for solo tuba, horn and piano, Stephenson says, "Vast and Curious is a result of an international micro-commission including talented musicians who are also wonderful people. I put out an announcement that I’d love to write a trio for horn, tuba and piano, and within a very short amount of time, a list was realized, all of whom supported the project enthusiastically. The work is in three movements. The title is of course a pun on “Fast and Furious”, which also musically inspires the piece.

"In mine, the “curious” part is mostly exemplified in the first movement, where I took on the most unique challenge of scoring the entire thing in unison (with displaced octaves) for all three players. An energetic line worms its way throughout, providing a performance challenge I hope to be both be exhilarating and worthwhile. The “vast” is represented by the tuba, of course, but also in the 2nd movement I scored with a wide-open sensibility, representing Gail Williams’ (premiering horn player) love for the mountains. I also desired to provide some space between the outer two frenetic movements. The last movement is mainly a romp to the finish with fun melodies and galloping rhythms."

The wind ensemble version was commissioned by the State University of New York at Fredonia; Paula Holcomb, Director of Bands. The SUNY Fredonia Wind Ensemble’s premiere and recording of Vast and Curious is made possible through the Sorel Medallion in Recording Grant.

- Program Note from State University of New York at Fredonia Wind Ensemble concert program, 22 April 2017


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • State University of New York at Fredonia Wind Ensemble (Paula Holcomb, conductor; Gail Williams, horn; Dan Perantoni, tuba) – 22 April 2017


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources