Dare To Hope The music is built around two strongly contrasted themes. The first could be described as moody and intense. It first appears in the form of a fugato by the four saxophones. The second theme gradually emerges throughout the piece, finally being heard in its entirety as a trumpet solo in the closing minutes. I would characterise it as joyful but also assertive. All the remaining material, including the up-surging opening figure in the clarinets, is derived from one or both of these themes. For much of the piece they are treated in a polarised manner - with highly contrasted registers and textures. As they move closer together it becomes clear that they are the two sides of the same coin. Most human achievement starts with a vision, along with substantial reserves of hope to counteract the setbacks along the path. This is one of the main 'extra-musical' ideas I had in mind as I wrote this overture. Robert Petrella himself directed a very expressive and warmly received premiere performance on December 5, 2008 in the impressive auditorium of the Northern Virginia Community College. Christopher Marshall |
Reviews/Comments Instrumentation: Wind Ensemble (or Symphonic Band) 1 Picc. 3 Fl.
1 Ob. 1 EbCl. 4 BbCl. 1 BassCl.
2 Alt.Sax. 1 Ten.Sax. 1 Bar.Sax. 2 Bsn. // 4 FHn. 3 BbTpt. 3 Tbn. 1 Euph.
1 Tba. // 1 Str.Bass 1 Timp. 5 Perc. Duration: ±6" |
