Break Through

Description

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn in F, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion 1, Bells, Mallet Percussion 2, Vibraphone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Bass Drum, Gong, Triangle, Crash Cymbals, Percussion 2, Wind Chimes, Suspended Cymbal — Break Through is my musical representation of one’s struggle to pass through a barrier or move beyond an obstacle. This could be a literal breakthrough or a metaphorical achievement. The composition is centered around the key of G minor to achieve a dark, resonant emotion. The percussion is the heartbeat and pulse for the introduction and should follow all dynamics to match the winds. Soft rolling mallets should be used for the bass drum and gong rolls, creating a dark timbre without overpowering the ensemble. At Rehearsal 13, work to have a balanced section where the clarinets can be heard on the melody and the tenor sax and horn on the countermelody. Rehearsal 21 provides a fully scored variation of the theme and should continue to be as dark as possible. Rehearsal 29 is the final musical struggle before the Rehearsal 38 ‘break through’ climax of the composition. The resolution of the relative major of Bb should be majestic and triumphant. Finally, rehearsal 48 transitions to a recapitulation of the opening theme, moving towards a contemplative ending back to G minor.I hope you and your ensemble enjoy perforinming Break Through. Break Through is a musical representation of one’s struggle to pass through a barrier or move beyond an obstacle, either a literal breakthrough or a metaphorical achievement. The composition centers around the key of G minor to achieve a sense of dark, resonant emotion. The percussion is the heartbeat and pulse for the introduction of the piece, while the bass drum and gong rolls create a lugubrious timbre. Melodies and counter-melodies weave in and out of the musical texture. A struggle ensues leading up to the climax, following which there is a resolution to the relative major key of B-flat. Finally, there is a transition to a recapitulation of the opening theme, moving towards a contemplative ending in G minor.

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