Celebration of Peace

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, 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, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Chime, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Triangle, Tom-tom, China Cymbal — Celebration of Peace is a fantasy on Oseh Shalom ("He Who Makes Peace"), a traditional Hebrew song. It was inspired by and is dedicated to Mr. David Abrams, a band director, multi-instrumentalist, breathing specialist, and close friend and colleague of the composer. Mr. Abrams is one of the founding members of Lake Patrol, a consortium of brass musicians from across the United States.The beginning of the work is set in a songlike fashion to highlight the melody first heard in the clarinet section. This is followed by a mixed meter dance (m. 27) during which a chamber instrumentation performs the dance-like melody over a steady percussion groove. The following aggressive up-tempo flourish (m. 44) plays with odd meters, alternating six and five in jubilant syncopation. The second dance treatment (m. 60) is set in seven and juxtaposes different phrases of the tune. This leads to a pesante restatement of the tune (m. 80) before a rousing finale (m. 88).The conductor is encouraged to follow closely the marked tempos and pay close attention to the style and phrase markings throughout. In moments of syncopation, especially during the mixed meter sections, performers should attempt to emphasize the off-beats to achieve maximum nuance. Celebration of Peace is a fantasy on Oseh Shalom (He Who Makes Peace), a traditional Hebrew song. This lively arrangement uses mixed meter, tempo changes, syncopation, and instrumental textures to portray the jubilant dance.