Floating Clouds

SKU: CF.YPS253F

ISBN 9781491161920. UPC: 680160920600.

A brief introduction sets the mood for this hauntingly beautiful piece. As gentle breezes begin to blow on the surface, the clouds above begin appear in an array of different formations. The clouds float slowly from east to west, as if in an Impressionistic painting. This is one of nature's beautiful settings, and one can seemingly follow the clouds for hours. From a young player's vantage point they must confidently play the intentional dissonance on the third beat of measures 10, 14, 42 and 46. Once they get used to the sound it should become an enjoyable dissonance. In measures 25 to 27, balance the flutes and clarinets so the volume level is consistent between both parts. In general, the piece should be performed at a very relaxed pace, but a disciplined steady beat will be necessary to keep the sixteenth notes even and relaxed at measures 29 through 34. The final chord is a Bb major 7, and the clarinets and alto saxes should be equal in volume before the gradual fade.
A brief introduction sets the mood for this hauntingly beautiful piece. As gentle breezes begin to blow on the surface, the clouds above begin appear in an array of different formations. The clouds float slowly from east to west, as if in an Impressionistic painting. This is one of nature's beautiful settings, and one can seemingly follow the clouds for hours.From a young player's vantage point they must confidently play the intentional dissonance on the third beat of measures 10, 14, 42 and 46. Once they get used to the sound it should become an “enjoyable dissonance.” In measures 25 to 27, balance the flutes and clarinets so the volume level is consistent between both parts. In general, the piece should be performed at a very relaxed pace, but a disciplined steady beat will be necessary to keep the sixteenth notes even and relaxed at measures 29 through 34. The final chord is a Bb major 7, and the clarinets and alto saxes should be equal in volume before the gradual fade.

SKU: HL.50514212

SKU: CF.CPS250

ISBN 9781491159576. UPC: 680160918164.

Kaleidoscope Sky is inspired by the breathtaking pastime of hot-air ballooning and the glorious festivals around the world that honor the practice. A sky full of colorful spheres elegantly floating at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Mondial Air Ballons and more draw thousands of people to witness awe-inspiring scenes full of passionate balloonists. Traditional hot-air balloons mix with creatively designed balloons to thrill the tens of thousands of spectators below. While I personally am not a person who dreams of taking my own flight--heights are not my thing--I have to marvel at how gently and easily these vessels float among the clouds. It truly is an image of exquisite freedom. This piece reflects the view and experience of the onlooker taking in an elegantly shifting scene reminiscent of kaleidoscope patterns. Spectators like me can appreciate the beauty and vibrancy associated with a horizon full of adventurous balloonists and their wondrous aircrafts. Kaleidoscope Sky starts in a triumphant and celebratory fashion and continues to conjure images reminiscent of the wide variety of soaring colors on display at a hot-air balloon event. Ultimately, the piece appropriately concludes with a suspenseful, yet graceful, run to the finish line. Melodic lines should soar with attention being paid to phrase markings and assigned articulations. Encourage musicians to allow room for the melodic material to be heard in thicker textures where supporting harmonies are often rhythmic in nature. These harmonies should support, and not cloud the melodies. The meter changes should sound effortless, and the continuous figures in the percussion will help to achieve this effect. The snare drum, in particular, should bring accented notes to the foreground while maintaining a steady textural effect with non-accented notes as a rhythmic background. This will go a long way in finding a cohesive subdivision and ensemble pulse.
Kaleidoscope Sky is inspired by the breathtaking pastime of hot-air ballooning and the glorious festivals around the world that honor the practice. A sky full of colorful spheres elegantly floating at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Mondial Air Ballons and more draw thousands of people to witness awe-inspiring scenes full of passionate balloonists. Traditional hot-air balloons mix with creatively designed balloons to thrill the tens of thousands of spectators below. While I personally am not a person who dreams of taking my own flight—heights are not my thing—I have to marvel at how gently and easily these vessels float among the clouds. It truly is an image of exquisite freedom. This piece reflects the view and experience of the onlooker taking in an elegantly shifting scene reminiscent of kaleidoscope patterns. Spectators like me can appreciate the beauty and vibrancy associated with a horizon full of adventurous balloonists and their wondrous aircrafts. Kaleidoscope Sky starts in a triumphant and celebratory fashion and continues to conjure images reminiscent of the wide variety of soaring colors on display at a hot-air balloon event. Ultimately, the piece appropriately concludes with a suspenseful, yet graceful, run to the finish line.Melodic lines should “soar” with attention being paid to phrase markings and assigned articulations. Encourage musicians to allow room for the melodic material to be heard in thicker textures where supporting harmonies are often rhythmic in nature. These harmonies should support, and not “cloud” the melodies. The meter changes should sound effortless, and the continuous figures in the percussion will help to achieve this effect. The snare drum, in particular, should bring accented notes to the foreground while maintaining a steady textural effect with non-accented notes as a rhythmic background. This will go a long way in finding a cohesive subdivision and ensemble pulse.

SKU: CY.CC3066

ISBN 9790530110430. 8.5 x 11 in inches.

Nuages (Clouds) is the first movement from the orchestral tryptych, Nocturnes written in 1899 and inspired by a series of impressionist paintings by the same name by James Abbot McNeill Whistler. The work is flowing and mysterious and uses the sky as the musical canvas with the slow motion of the clouds floating across with the tones of color from white to dark gray. Randall Malmstrom's unique arrangement for 8-part Trombone Ensemble uses a family of mutes (optional....straight, cup and bucket) to bring out the colors of Debussy's work of genius.