SKU: IP.S-GF-THI
8.5x11 inches.
Composer's notes: The concept behind this work is for the performer to accompany him / herself on marimba through the use of sustaining metal instruments, sounding like multiple performers within a solo work. When multiple vibraphones are available, choose the instrument with the longest sustain. It is necessary to use the low octave of crotales for best sustain.This is a multiple percussion work with a brief section of CD accompaniment. The work is scored for marimba (low E), vibraphone, crotales, cymbals, log drums, and multiple sets of wind chimes. The composer states that the general premise of the work is the ability of the marimbist to accompany himself with longer resonating metallic instruments. It begins with a free section emphasizing mark tree, cymbals and crotales. The marimba emerges from this texture with sixteenth-note triplets that suggest the primary theme of the work. After a brief interlude of cymbals, crotales and vibraphone, the sixteenth-note figures return in the marimba, with punctuating, long tones on the crotales. This section continues for a while, finally yielding to a transitional segment of linear figures in the marimba, culminating in an explosive run to the top of the instrument. The tension it creates is quickly released in the ensuing chorale section. Here again, the performer is asked to sustain notes in the marimba via independent roll, while the other hand plays figures on the vibes and crotales. The CD accompaniment begins at the end of this section. The performer begins to improvise in the style of the opening of the work over the gong, cymbal and drum sounds on the recording. The marimba re-enters with groovy sixteenth notes over the recorded drum sounds. The rhythms in the marimba part become increasingly syncopated as the intensity builds, then gradually wind down into a short, improvised section on log drums. As the CD fades away, the performer is left playing sparse figures on the resonant metal sounds. The work ends with three, very soft rolled chords in the marimba with a single, introspective note on the crotales as a finale. The mixture of coloristic and rhythmic devices used in this work make is interesting for the performer and the listener. - Scott Herring Percussive Notes, April 2006.
SKU: PR.11441359S
UPC: 680160582341. 8.5 x 11 inches.
Commissione d by Music From China ensemble and Prism Saxophone Quartet, with a grant provided by the New York State Council on the Arts in 2008. Premiered in New York City, February 2009.Commissioned by Music From China ensemble and PRISM Saxophone Quartet, with a commissioning grant provided by the New York State Council on the Arts in 2008.The imagination of this music came from the figures in the murals carved in the Mogao Caves in the ancient city Dunhuang more than a thousand years ago. The name Dunhuang originally meant “prospering, flourishing.â€Â Lying at the western end of the Gansu Corridor in China, Dunhuang was very important in the Silk Road that carried new thoughts, ideas, arts and sciences to the East and West in the ancient time. The Mogao Grottoes were built and developed over 11 dynasties over more than 1,000 years (from the 4th to 14th centuries), with murals, sculptures, wooden cave buildings and books. It was really the heyday of the art of Dunhuang in the brilliant Tang Dynasty (618-907).  The murals depict rolling dance gestures, the flapping streamer lines, the flying melodies around the clouds, and the fiery rhythms in the sky! They show the high spirit and the strong power of the people and their society. All these impressions are translated into the textures of the two Chinese traditional instrumental parts with support from a set of percussion instruments, and the sound of a saxophone quartet. It’s mysterious, vivid, colorful and energetic, it brings us to dream of the ancient glory and yearn for the future...—Chen Yi.
SKU: CF.SPS50F
ISBN 9780825885143. UPC: 798408085148. 9 x 12 inches. Key: Bb major.
Oscillation is a dramatic and exciting work for the advanced ensemble, reflecting composer Sean O’Loughlin’ s love for engaging film scores. The title says it all, with this work blossoming out of simple opening triplet figures, oscillating between three notes in a collage of timbres and textures. The interplay between winds and brass make this piece especially flashy.
SKU: CL.011-4830-00
Drawing inspiration from the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony in New York City’s Chinatown, Firecracker is an exhilarating celebration at a sizzling tempo that’s sure to please. Images of crackling explosives, dazzling colors, and joyful dance fuel this annual event that honors Chinese culture. A contagious drumbeat played on traditional drums by musicians traveling from business to business wishes good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. This is emulated in this selection with flexible numbers of percussionists who can call all join in on the fun. Meanwhile, wind players will love the opportunity to nimbly play soaring melodic lines over the invigorating rhythmic figures found throughout. You’ll love Firecracker and its vigorous, jubilant spirit! Unique!
About C.L. Barnhouse Command Series
The Barnhouse Command Series includes works at grade levels 2, 2.5, and 3. This series is designed for middle school and junior high school bands, as well as high school bands of smaller instrumentation or limited experience. Command Series publications have a slightly larger instrumentation than the Rising Band Series, and are typically of larger scope, duration, and musical content.
SKU: CL.011-4830-01
