Zodiac

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, 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, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal — zo-di-ac n.1. a narrow band in the sky in which the movements of the major planets, Sun, and Moon take place, astrologically divided into twelve sections named for the major constellations2. a chart linking twelve constellations to twelve divisions of the year, used as the astrologer’s main tool for analyzing character and predicting the future3. a set of things or sequence of events that repeats itself cyclically (literary).There is something mystical about the zodiac, and there is an uncanny relationship between it and music. Music is divided into twelve notes and organized according to a cyclical arrangement. Just think about the “Circle of Fifths” and how much it looks like a chart of the zodiac. In this piece, I have not tried to incorporate anything specific from the zodiac, except its mystical, mysterious nature. The piece begins with a haunting flute melody over mysterious open fifths in the lower voices. This harmonic movement is used throughout the rest of the piece. The piece moves into an aggressive allegro section where the main theme is presented and developed. This is followed by a second theme that adds Latin percussion instruments for variety and color before leading back to the main theme. A development section ensues that uses an augmented version of the main theme over a pedal point to build tension before leading to the coda of the piece that finally resolve in a major key.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program. The mystical nature of the zodiac is explored in sound by composer Larry Clark. This is a tour-de-force for young bands from a composer that continues to provide substantial musical moments that are throughly enjoyed by younger students.

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