Threefold

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Xylophone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals — The energy and drive of this piece uses simple time signatures of 4/4 and 3/4 and mixes groups of three notes and syncopation to the rhythm and the melody. There is also a use of a musical term called hemiola, when groups of two beats are replaced by groups of three beats, creating a shift between duple and triple meter.xa0 Syncopation adds a modern, jazzy, popular feel to this exciting concert band composition.Along with syncopation and popular influences are countermelodies to the main theme that are as important as the melody for balance and blend.xa0 This adds a feeling of baroque or renaissance style to the texture. Yet the melodies, chords, and structure are recognizable and enjoyable to listen to and perform.xa0 The middle 3/4 section is slightly slower featuring brass and saxophones and played legato. Then at the key change, it becomes more articulate and contrapuntal.xa0 The a tempo at m. 88 returns to the original thematic material, differing slightly from the beginning, and the coda has some added technical and challenging woodwind passages. The cymbal/triangle part has a lot of directions on choking, hi-hat sound, etc., that will add nice color to the piece if performed as indicated. Mixed meters, hemiola, and syncopation give this exciting piece its energy and drive. Using an insistent xylophone part as a rhythmic motive, a feeling of three is present in multiple meters, rhythmic forms and important countermelodies. With limited exposed parts, this offers opportunities for teaching important musical concepts while enabling students to feel secure in their performance. Open or close your concert, festival or contest with this fine programing choice.