Alchemy - Score

SKU: AP.46654S

UPC: 038081533032. English.

Alchemy is an ancient philosophy that sought to turn iron into gold. The composer saw a parallel in music: taking the notes of a scale and turning them into music seems just as magical. The notes are like iron and the process of turning them into music makes them as precious as gold.

SKU: HL.4002119

UPC: 073999263251. 11x17 inches.

This large-scale three-movement work, commissioned by Ray Cramer and the Indiana University Wind Ensemble, embodies the transformation of silence into sound. The opening movement is sparse, utilizing mallet percussion, harp, and piano to create a floating sense of timelessness. Featuring extensive solo flute, this floating texture gradually builds over several minutes, ultimately launching itself into a grandiose, warm, harmonically consonant blanket of sound. The second movement continues the focus on solo flute, and again opens slowly, gradually gaining momentum, but at a faster pace than in the first movement. The music spirals upward and outward, but instead of reaching a plateau, winds itself out and comes to a grinding halt in the upper range of the ensemble. Five brief, solemn chords conclude the movement, which immediately erupts into Movement III, music of unceasing, unsettling, motion, propelled by a driving ostinato which is repeatedly interrupted by bittersweet moments of lyricism, all the while pushing toward an unforgiving climax. The movements may also be performed separately. There is no explicit narrative to the piece, though many particular elements do have personal quasi-biographical significance. Ultimately, this is music of both personal and musical transformation.

NO TE: This work is available as a rental item directly from the composer. For details, e-mail rental@stevenbryant.com. The score is also available separately for purchase from Hal Leonard.

SKU: CF.BPS143

ISBN 9781491161241. UPC: 680160919833.

Alche my is usually defined as the Medieval search for the means of transmuting base metals, such as lead into gold and silver. The alchemist hoped to find the mysterious combination of words or elements to attain the goal. Our scene begins with a dramatic invocation to the spirits of the metals, followed by a chant to empower the energy necessary for the change. A procession of the alchemist's apprentices is heard as they add their presence to the effort and a final surge as the transformation is realized. Or is it? Careful execution of the dynamic variations within the work is essential to realize the desired effect. A metal plate can be substituted for the break drum. The tap on stands instruction in mm. 46 - 52 should be performed with a metallic beater on a metal stand. Experiment with mechanical pencils, small screwdrivers, portions of coat hangers, etc. Additional metallic percussion instruments could be added to enhance the effect or in place of the music stands. Volume is not as important as timbre.
Alchemy is usually defined as the Medieval search for the means of transmuting base metals, such as lead into gold and silver. The alchemist hoped to find the mysterious combination of words or elements to attain the goal. Our scene begins with a dramatic invocation to the spirits of the metals, followed by a chant to empower the energy necessary for the change. A procession of the alchemist’s apprentices is heard as they add their presence to the effort and a final surge as the transformation is realized. Or is it?Careful execution of the dynamic variations within the work is essential to realize the desired effect. A metal plate can be substituted for the break drum. The “tap on stands” instruction in mm. 46 – 52 should be performed with a metallic beater on a metal stand. Experiment with mechanical pencils, small screwdrivers, portions of coat hangers, etc. Additional metallic percussion instruments could be added to enhance the effect or in place of the music stands. Volume is not as important as timbre.

SKU: CF.BPS143F

ISBN 9781491161623. UPC: 680160920303.

Alche my is usually defined as the Medieval search for the means of transmuting base metals, such as lead into gold and silver. The alchemist hoped to find the mysterious combination of words or elements to attain the goal. Our scene begins with a dramatic invocation to the spirits of the metals, followed by a chant to impower the energy necessary for the change. A procession of the alchemist's apprentices is heard as they add their presence to the effort and a final surge as the transformation is realized. Or is it? Careful execution of the dynamic variations within the work is essential to realize the desired effect. A metal plate can be substituted for the break drum. The tap on stands instruction in mm. 46 - 52 should be performed with a metallic beater on a metal stand. Experiment with mechanical pencils, small screwdrivers, portions of coat hangers, etc. Additional metallic percussion instruments could be added to enhance the effect or in place of the music stands. Volume is not as important as timbre.
Alchemy is usually defined as the Medieval search for the means of transmuting base metals, such as lead into gold and silver. The alchemist hoped to find the mysterious combination of words or elements to attain the goal. Our scene begins with a dramatic invocation to the spirits of the metals, followed by a chant to impower the energy necessary for the change. A procession of the alchemist’s apprentices is heard as they add their presence to the effort and a final surge as the transformation is realized. Or is it?Careful execution of the dynamic variations within the work is essential to realize the desired effect. A metal plate can be substituted for the break drum. The “tap on stands” instruction in mm. 46 – 52 should be performed with a metallic beater on a metal stand. Experiment with mechanical pencils, small screwdrivers, portions of coat hangers, etc. Additional metallic percussion instruments could be added to enhance the effect or in place of the music stands. Volume is not as important as timbre.