Instant Christmas Concert

A Brass choir scored for four trumpets (optional horn), two trombones, baritone and tuba. The beginning is stated in the lower voices in a solemn fashion. The theme then presents itself in the upper voices in s straight forward manner followed by a key shift, giving over to a tuba solo with the middle voices supporting it in a flowing fashion. The next section becomes more rhythmic adding more voices for a full sound continuing on with more imitation amongst the voices building more agitation. The ensemble becomes increasingly chordal with some punctuating motives in the lower parts and then settles into a quiet resolve.

Three Plus Flutes for three soprano with opt. 4th/ob. with alto and bass & piccolo. The piece gins in a spritely duet in the upper voices and reverses roles with the lower voices carrying the melody and duet lines. All four voices now join in a smooth, serene fashion until it gains dynamic and harmonic strength. A modulation upward with the tune in voice two, and an obbligato-like movement in part one, while the lower parts underpin with a simplistic, though active line. In the last section the parts become more active and excitement abounds until a final flourish establishes the end.

Three Plus Flutes for three soprano with opt. 4th/ob. with alto and bass & piccolo. An introduction using unrelated material leads the tune presented in voice two, supported by harmonies in the lower voices, then an obbligato-like motion added by the upper voice. A modulation upward makes room for a duet in the upper lines, later joined by the lower voices in a contrapuntal fashion. The final section becomes more vigorous and imitative until a solid, declamatory ending.

Brass choir scored for four trumpets (opt horn) two trombones, baritone BC/TC and tuba. This entire piece is one of serenity, gentleness and great affect. The introduction is in the lower voices producing a rich sound and sense of expectation. The trumpets add in on the melody with long lines of expression, and then the lower voices offer a response in like manner. The next section increases in movement and dynamic until it modulates to a new key center. The phrases now alternate between the low voices in an almost antiphonal fashion. Another modulation elevates the urgency of the piece and the trumpets carry the entire load throughout this section. The rest of the instruments then bolster the ensemble giving increased strength. The pieces quiets and becomes reflective and then settles with an “all is well.”