Step By Step

This quintet (opt. Sextet) begins with extraneous motifs leading into the first statement of the theme in the low brass offset by answering material in the trumpets. The pieces continues in this question and answer texture passing motivic material around the parts. Then in a transition mimicking the beginning a modulation takes place where the theme is more expressive and becomes more aggressive leading up to a majestic coda where it ends on a thought-provoking conclusion.

A traditional brass quintet with opt. trumpet for horn and extra baritone for use as a sextet. A piece in Alle Breve, is simply stated in block chords with an active bass line. The first strain, is repeated, and follows traditional march scoring. The second section is a bit slower and again in block chord structure, but this time with a first trumpet obbligato. With a regaining of tempo and style the piece becomes stronger until a grandiose ending.

A standard brass quintet with optional trumpet for horn. The piece opens with a solo trumpet and gradually adds voices until it leads up to a modulation where the theme is now in the lower voices with gentle harmonic shifts. The upper voices respond with more motion until things are met with another modulation. This new section is more stayed until another modulation greets yet another modulation with the parts all intertwining amongst themselves and then… a solemn conclusion.

A woodwind quintet with opt. parts for Alto Sax and Bass Clar. This piece presents itself with a sense of joy throughout with the introduction itself in a motivic manner setting the tone The piece passes through several modulations where the upper voices carry the melodic material while the lower voices support the ensemble with strength. The writing of this arrangement is well crafted to take advantage of the “woodwind quintet sounds.” It continues that way right up to the very end with a declamatory statement of “Mercy.”

(2fl, 2cl+5th pts)