The Hornet's Nest

Description

Piccolo, 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, Chime, Bells, Vibraphone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Percussion 2, Field Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle — The Hornet’s Nest was commissioned by the Charlotte Concert Band in recognition of its fiftieth anniversary. The composition was premiered by that ensemble on November 15, 2015 at the North Carolina Music Educators Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.Mecklenburg declared independence from England in May of 1775 giving that government body the distinction of being the first in the country to do so. Lord Charles Cornwallis attempted to invade Charlotte in 1780, but the city’s residents united and expelled him, leading General Cornwallis to describe the city asxa0 “a hornet’s nest of rebellion.”The composition opens with an energetic flourish (molto allegro) led by the brass and percussion; the field drum hints at the Revolutionary War program of the work. A florid melody derived from the opening motive is introduced and passed around the various sections of the ensemble before the work settles to a quieter and slower passage. The piccolo, playing the role of the fife, presents a lyric theme that serves as the basis of the slow section (larghetto). The quicker tempo returns for a brief development section led by the percussion. Following the restatement of the opening passages, a rousing coda brings the composition to a powerful close. In 1780, Lord Charles Cornwallis attempted to invade Charlotte, but the city's residents united and expelled him. General Cornwallis went on to describe the city as "a hornet's nest of rebellion." In this Revolutionary War inspired piece, a strong florid melody is passed around the various sections of the ensemble. This work is a great opportunity for more advanced bands to focus on stylistic playing between the bright and triumphant theme and quieter larghetto passage. Students will enjoy taking a trip back in time with this piece full of Colonial American vigor.