Introduction et Thème varié pour la Guitare, op.20

SKU: BT.AMP-481-140

English-German-French-Dutch.

Guardians of the Waves was commissioned by the Japan Coast Guard Band to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2018. They gave the premiere as part of a 30th anniversary concert on November 8th that year. Set in traditionalmarch form, Guardians of the Waves opens with a short introduction, which leads to the main theme, played initially by the brass and then repeated with a florid woodwind descant. The theme is extended and morphs into asecond theme, first played tutti and then quietly repeated by bassoon, tenor sax and euphonium. This leads to a conventional ‘bass strain’, played twice with varying accompaniments. A quieter trio section follows, delicatelyscored and featuring the tenor instruments of the band. Taken up by the full band, this leads back to a recall of the introduction and a return to the main two themes, which lead to a triumphal close.

Guardians of the Waves werd geschreven in opdracht van de Japan Coast Guard Band ter gelegenheid van het dertigjarig bestaan van dit orkest, in 2018. De première vond plaats tijdens het jubileumconcert op 8 november van datjaar. Het werk, dat is gecomponeerd in een traditionele marsvorm, begint met een korte introductie die het hoofdthema inleidt, dat aanvankelijk wordt gespeeld door het koper en dan wordt herhaald met een weelderige discant in hethout. Het thema wordt voortgezet en gaat over in een tweede thema, eerst tutti gespeeld en rustig herhaald door fagot, tenorsax en eufonium. Dit thema voert ons mee naar een conventionele baslijn, die twee keer wordt gespeeld metvariërende begeleiding. Daarna volgt een kalmer triogedeelte, dat delicaat is getoonzet en waarin de tenorinstrumenten van het orkest ruimschoots aan bod komen. Het wordt dan overgenomen door het complete orkest en brengt onsterug naar de inleiding en de twee hoofdthema’s, uitmondend in een triomfantelijk slot.

Guardians of the Waves wurde von der Japan Coast Guard Band anlässlich ihres 30-jährigen Bestehens im Jahr 2018 in Auftrag gegeben. Die Uraufführung fand am 8. November 2018 im Rahmen eines Jubiläumskonzertes statt.Guardians of the Waves wurde als traditioneller Marsch komponiert und beginnt mit einer kurzen Einleitung, die zum Hauptthema führt. Dieses wird zunächst von den Blechbläsern gespielt und dann von den Oberstimmen in denHolzbläsern mit Verzierungen wiederholt. Das Thema wird erweitert und geht in ein zweites Thema über, das zunächst vom Tutti gespielt und dann von Fagott, Tenorsaxophon und Euphonium leise wiederholt wird. Anschließend erklingteine traditionelle Melodie in den Bassinstrumenten, die mit unterschiedlicher Begleitung zweimal gespielt wird. Es folgt ein ruhigeres Trio, das zart besetzt ist und die Tenorinstrumente des Blasorchesters hervorhebt. Dies wirdschließlich vom gesamten Blasorchester aufgegriffen und führt zu einer Wiederholung der Einleitung und einer Rückkehr zu den beiden Hauptthemen, die in einen triumphalen Schluss überleiten.

Guardians of the Waves est une commande de l’Harmonie de la Gendarmerie maritime du Japon pour marquer son 30e anniversaire, en 2018. L’orchestre a créé l’œuvre dans le cadre d’un concert d’anniversaire le 8 novembre decette même année. Écrite en forme de marche traditionnelle, Guardians of the Waves s’ouvre avec une courte introduction qui mène au thème principal, interprété d’abord par les cuivres puis repris avec un déchant fleuri parles bois. Le thème est prolongé et se morphe en un second thème, d’abord en tutti, puis répété doucement par les bassons, saxophones ténor et euphoniums. Ce passage mène une mélodie conventionnelle dans les graves, jouée deuxfois avec divers accompagnements. Vient ensuite un trio plus calme, orchestré avec délicatesse et mettant en avant les instruments ténor. Repris par l’orchestre entier, ce passage est suivi d’un rappel de l’introduction avant unretour aux deux thèmes principaux, qui mènent une conclusion triomphale.

SKU: BT.DHP-0971085-010

Jacob de Haan was commissioned to compose this concert piece by the St. Peters Wind Symphony from Brisbane, Australia. Ross Roy is the monumental late 19th century villa where St. Peters Lutheran College was founded in 1945. The villa has always remained the school symbol. In this composition, Jacob de Haan sees the Ross Roy as a metaphor for the years spent at school (a monument in time), where one's personality is formed. So, the opening theme the artist calls the Ross Roy theme initially has monumental characteristics.The rhythmic motion, which strides along in the lower register and percussion at the beginning of the next section is typical of Tempo di Marcia. Thismovement, accompanied by repetitions of sound, is a metaphor for the structure and discipline in school. This is the introduction to a march theme, symbolic of passing through the classes up to the final examinations.Then, the Ross Roy theme is dealt with again, now in a playful, humorous variation. As if the composer is saying there should also be time for a smile in school. The same theme can be heard in major key and a slower tempo in the following section, expressing pride and self-confidence. This is also the introduction to the expressive middle section that represents love, friendship and understanding.We then return to the march theme in a slightly altered construction. The oriental sounds, constituting the modulation to the final theme, are symbols of the diversity of cultures in the school. The characteristic final theme first sounds solemn, but turns into a festive apotheosis. It is no coincidence that the final cadence is reminiscent of the close to a traditional overture, for the school years can be considered the overture to the rest of one's life. The premiere of Ross Roy was conducted by Jacob de Haan in Brisbane, on August 22, 1997.

Ross Roy is de naam van de monumentale villa in Brisbane (Australië) waar in 1945 het St. Peters Lutheran College is gesticht. In opdracht van het collegeorkest componeerde Jacob de Haan dit gevarieerde concertwerk vol metaforen.De structuur en discipline van de school horen we in de met toonherhaling gepaard gaande ritmische beweging in basregister en slagwerk. Het volgende, martiale thema staat symbool voor het doorlopen van de klassen. Een schertsende,humoristische versie van het hoofdthema ontbreekt niet: op school moet immers ook tijd zijn voor vrolijkheid. Het karakteristieke slotthema mondt uit in een feestelijke apotheose.

Ross Roy ist der Name einer monumentalen Villa in Brisbane, Australien, in der 1945 das St. Peter Lutheran College gegründet wurde. Im Auftrag dieses Schulorchesters komponierte Jacob de Haan dieses Konzertwerk, das voll von Metaphern ist. Die Struktur und Disziplin dieser Schule hören wir in der mit Tonwiederholungen gepaarten rhythmischen Bewegung des Bassregisters und des Schlagwerks. Das folgende martialische Thema steht als Symbol für das Durchlaufen der Klassen bis zum Ende der Schulzeit. Eine scherzhafte, humoristische Version des Hauptthemas darf nicht fehlen, denn in der Schule muss auch Zeit für kleine Späße und Lachen sein! Das charakteristische Schlussthemamündet in einem festlichen Höhepunkt.

Ross Roy est le symbole grandiose de l’excellence du compositeur. L’œuvre tient son nom de l’imposante villa éponyme située Brisbane en Australie et qui abrite en ses murs le Collège Saint Pierre, une institution luthérienne fondée en 1945. C’est pour l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de cet établissement que Jacob de Haan composa cette œuvre riche en métaphores. « J’ai tenté de décrire les valeurs de cette école. Ainsi, le thème initial se développe-t-il sur un motif rythmique imposant qui alterne entre les instruments graves et la batterie. Ce motif symbolise l’autorité et le cadre structuré de l’école. On retrouve ce thème plusieurs reprises et notamment sousune forme humoristique et espiègle : nous découvrons les bons côtés de l’école, la joie des élèves, les sentiments de fierté, d’amour et d’amitié. Autre élément thématique, une marche qui symbolise la progression des élèves dans leur cursus pour arriver leurs examens de fin d'étude. » En guise de conclusion, Jacob de Haan nous offre un thème grandiose qui s’élargit en apothéose.

Commissionato dalla St. Peter’s Wind Symphony Orchestra di Brisbane, è dedicato alla monumentale villa tardo-ottocentesca dove il collegio dell’orchestra ha avuto la sua storica sede. Metafora degli anni della formazione, è caratterizzato da un finale in stile ouverture, come se gli anni della scuola rappresentassero una sorta di ouverture al resto della vita.

SKU: BT.DHP-0971085-120

Jacob de Haan was commissioned to compose this concert piece by the St. Peters Wind Symphony from Brisbane, Australia. Ross Roy is the monumental late 19th century villa where St. Peters Lutheran College was founded in 1945. The villa has always remained the school symbol. In this composition, Jacob de Haan sees the Ross Roy as a metaphor for the years spent at school (a monument in time), where one's personality is formed. So, the opening theme the artist calls the Ross Roy theme initially has monumental characteristics.The rhythmic motion, which strides along in the lower register and percussion at the beginning of the next section is typical of Tempo di Marcia. Thismovement, accompanied by repetitions of sound, is a metaphor for the structure and discipline in school. This is the introduction to a march theme, symbolic of passing through the classes up to the final examinations.Then, the Ross Roy theme is dealt with again, now in a playful, humorous variation. As if the composer is saying there should also be time for a smile in school. The same theme can be heard in major key and a slower tempo in the following section, expressing pride and self-confidence. This is also the introduction to the expressive middle section that represents love, friendship and understanding.We then return to the march theme in a slightly altered construction. The oriental sounds, constituting the modulation to the final theme, are symbols of the diversity of cultures in the school. The characteristic final theme first sounds solemn, but turns into a festive apotheosis. It is no coincidence that the final cadence is reminiscent of the close to a traditional overture, for the school years can be considered the overture to the rest of one's life. The premiere of Ross Roy was conducted by Jacob de Haan in Brisbane, on August 22, 1997.

Ross Roy is de naam van de monumentale villa in Brisbane (Australië) waar in 1945 het St. Peters Lutheran College is gesticht. In opdracht van het collegeorkest componeerde Jacob de Haan dit gevarieerde concertwerk vol metaforen. De structuur en discipline van de school horen we in de met toonherhaling gepaard gaande ritmische beweging in basregister en slagwerk. Het volgende, martiale thema staat symbool voor het doorlopen van de klassen. Een schertsende, humoristische versie van het hoofdthema ontbreekt niet: op school moet immers ook tijd zijn voor vrolijkheid. Het karakteristieke slotthema mondt uit in een feestelijke apotheose.

Ross Roy ist der Name einer monumentalen Villa in Brisbane, Australien, in der 1945 das St. Peter Lutheran College gegründet wurde. Im Auftrag dieses Schulorchesters komponierte Jacob de Haan dieses Konzertwerk, das voll von Metaphern ist. Die Struktur und Disziplin dieser Schule hören wir in der mit Tonwiederholungen gepaarten rhythmischen Bewegung des Bassregisters und des Schlagwerks. Das folgende martialische Thema steht als Symbol für das Durchlaufen der Klassen bis zum Ende der Schulzeit. Eine scherzhafte, humoristische Version des Hauptthemas darf nicht fehlen, denn in der Schule muss auch Zeit für kleine Späße und Lachen sein! Das charakteristische Schlussthemamündet in einem festlichen Höhepunkt.

Ross Roy est le symbole grandiose de l’excellence du compositeur. L’œuvre tient son nom de l’imposante villa éponyme située Brisbane en Australie et qui abrite en ses murs le Collège Saint Pierre, une institution luthérienne fondée en 1945. C’est pour l’Orchestre d’Harmonie de cet établissement que Jacob de Haan composa cette œuvre riche en métaphores. « J’ai tenté de décrire les valeurs de cette école. Ainsi, le thème initial se développe-t-il sur un motif rythmique imposant qui alterne entre les instruments graves et la batterie. Ce motif symbolise l’autorité et le cadre structuré de l’école. On retrouve ce thème plusieurs reprises et notamment sousune forme humoristique et espiègle : nous découvrons les bons côtés de l’école, la joie des élèves, les sentiments de fierté, d’amour et d’amitié. Autre élément thématique, une marche qui symbolise la progression des élèves dans leur cursus pour arriver leurs examens de fin d'étude. » En guise de conclusion, Jacob de Haan nous offre un thème grandiose qui s’élargit en apothéose.

SKU: CF.YAS186

ISBN 9781491151518. UPC: 680160909018. 9 x 12 inches. Key: D minor.

A stunning and heart-wrenching composition based on the Jewish folk son Shlof, Mayn Kind. You can hear the emotional content pour out of this piece written in memory of an outstanding orchestra director. The piece beginnings with original material to set the tone, followed by a violin solo on the song. It them develops through a variety of different harmonic presentation before building to a nice key change and climatic moment. The piece ends as it began, but with a more hopeful tone. An amazing piece.
Sleep, My Child was commissioned by the Madison Middle School Band and Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Orchestras Kevin Frye. Director of Bands Chris Shultz championed the commissioning of this piece to honor Kevin after he passed away in December 2016. Mr. Frye was a beloved member of the staff at Madison Middle as well as the music community of Tampa and the state of Florida. I was a personal friend of Kevin’s. We were in several musical groups together when we were young that were formative to both of our musical careers. I also guest-conducted his Madison Middle School Orchestra several times over the past four years. His musicianship, teaching skills and love for his students were exemplary.When taking on the challenge of writing a piece to honor Kevin’s legacy, Mr. Shultz and I decided to try and include several important aspects of Kevin’s life into the piece. Kevin was proudly Jewish, a fantastic trumpet player and loved Jazz. With that in mind, and after a lot of research, a Jewish folk song Shlof, Mayn Kind was selected as the basis for the piece, not to be religious, but to honor his faith and heritage. Plus it is a beautiful song and I felt the title reflected the sentiment I was looking to express, which is of someone taking rest after a long battle with illness, so a lullaby seemed appropriate.I also wanted to incorporate Jazz into the piece, but in a concert setting, so you will hear as the piece develops, the harmonies of the folk song expand into ones found more commonly in Jazz compositions.  Not in a far out way, but in a subtle way to again honor this part of his life. For example the climactic moment of the piece at the fermata in m. 57 is a Dbmaj9#11 chord. It appropriately give the piece the angst that I was looking for at this moment in the piece, while honoring the importance of Jazz in Kevin’s musical life.The piece was also conceived to include both the Madison band and orchestra in the performance at the premiere. I wanted the pieces to work separately by the band and separately by the orchestra, but I also wanted them to be able to play the piece together to honor Kevin.The piece begins with original material designed to set the mood of the piece with a tempo/style marking of pensive, but also as material that I used as connective musical tissue between statements of the folk song.  After this introduction, the folk song is presented by a solo violin (or clarinet) with orchestral accompaniment in a simple straight forward presentation of the song. This is followed by a woodwind section statement of the folk song accompanied by muted trumpets. During this presentation the harmony starts to expand with more color notes in the chords. The low brass are added half way through this statement to add depth and lushness.The introductory material returns, but with some angry hits in the lower voices. This leads to a full ensemble state of new material that is used to transition to the climax of the piece, and to build tension. After the build, the piece modulates to a shortened statement of the folk song with more advanced harmonies and an active counter line in the violas, horns, saxes and first clarinets to further build the tension.  This tension is released at the fermata in m. 57 as mentioned above. After a thoughtful pause, the piece concludes with a completion of the folk song again with a solo violin (or clarinet) followed by a return of the introductory material to tie the piece together. The piece ends hopeful, with a solo trumpet (Kevin’s instrument) that is dissonant at first, but then resolves as if to say, Everything will be OK! It has been my distinct honor to have been asked to write this piece in Kevin’s memory! I hope that in some small way the piece helps to bring comfort to his family, students, colleagues and to all those that knew him!–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL  2017.

About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
--Occasionally extending to third position
--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty
--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts
--Viola T.C. part included
--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels

SKU: CF.YPS208

ISBN 9781491152287. UPC: 680160909780. Key: D minor.

A stunning and heart-wrenching composition based on the Jewish folk son Shlof, Mayn Kind. You can hear the emotional content pour out of this piece written in memory of an outstanding orchestra director. The piece beginnings with original material to set the tone, followed by a clarinet solo on the song. It then develops through a variety of different harmonic presentation before building to a nice key change and climatic moment. The piece ends as it began, but with a more hopeful tone. An amazing piece.
Sleep, My Child was commissioned by the Madison Middle School Band and Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Orchestras Kevin Frye. Director of Bands Chris Shultz championed the commissioning of this piece to honor Kevin after he passed away in December 2016. Mr. Frye was a beloved member of the staff at Madison Middle as well as the music community of Tampa and the state of Florida. I was a personal friend of Kevin’s. We were in several musical groups together when we were young that were formative to both of our musical careers. I also guest conducted his Madison Middle School Orchestra several times over the past four years. His musicianship, teaching skills and love for his students were exemplary.When taking on the challenge of writing a piece to honor Kevin’s legacy, Mr. Shultz and I decided to try and include several important aspects of Kevin’s life into the piece. Kevin was proudly Jewish, a fantastic trumpet player and loved Jazz. With that in mind, and after a lot of research, a Jewish folk song Shlof, Mayn Kind was selected as the basis for the piece, not to be religious, but to honor his faith and heritage. Plus it is a beautiful song, and I felt the title reflected the sentiment I was looking to express, which is of someone taking rest after a long battle with illness. Thus, a lullaby seemed appropriate.I also wanted to incorporate Jazz into the piece, but in a concert setting, so you will hear as the piece develops, the harmonies of the folk song expand into ones found more commonly in Jazz compositions. Not in a far out way, but in a subtle way to again honor this part of his life. For example the climactic moment of the piece at the fermata in m. 57 is a Dbmaj9#11 chord. It appropriately give the piece the angst that I was looking for at this moment in the piece, while honoring the importance of Jazz in Kevin’s musical life.The piece was also conceived to include both the Madison band and orchestra in the performance at the premiere. I wanted the pieces to work separately by the band and separately by the orchestra, but I also wanted them to be able to play the piece together to honor Kevin.The piece begins with original material designed to set the mood of the piece with a tempo/style marking of pensive, but also as material that I used as connective musical tissue between statements of the folk song.  After this introduction, the folk song is presented by a solo violin (or clarinet) with orchestral accompaniment in a simple straight forward presentation of the song. This is followed by a woodwind section statement of the folk song accompanied by muted trumpets. During this presentation the harmony starts to expand with more color notes in the chords. The low brass are added half way through this statement to add depth and lushness.The introductory material returns, but with some angry hits in the lower voices. This leads to a full ensemble state of new material that is used to transition to the climax of the piece, and to build tension. After the build, the piece modulates to a shortened statement of the folk song with more advanced harmonies and an active counter line in the violas, horns, saxes and first clarinets to further build the tension.  This tension is released at the fermata in m. 57, as mentioned above. After a thoughtful pause, the piece concludes with a completion of the folk song again with a solo violin (or clarinet) followed by a return of the introductory material to tie the piece together. The piece ends hopeful, with a solo trumpet (Kevin’s instrument) that is dissonant at first, but then resolves as if to say - everything will be OK! It has been my distinct honor to have been asked to write this piece in Kevin’s memory! I hope that in some small way the piece helps to bring comfort to his family, students, colleagues and to all those that knew him!–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL  2017.

SKU: BT.AMP-108-030

9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

This set of variations on the well-known hymn tune Holy, holy, holy! will make a most satisfying addition to the solo repertoire for euphonuim and brass band. It is in the traditional air varié form with an introduction, theme and 3 variations. The original melody (known as Nicaea) was composed by John Bacchus Dykes' especially for Reginald Heber's renowned hymn of praise and became universally popular when it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861. A beautiful solo that will test the soloists ability to show true emotion.

Deze serie variaties op de bekende hymnemelodie Holy, holy, holy! zal een geliefde aanvulling vormen op het solorepertoire voor euphonium en blaasorkest. Variants on an English Hymn Tune is geschreven in een traditionele air varié-vorm- met een introductie, thema en drie variaties. John Bacchus Dykes’ beroemde melodie Nicaea werd speciaal geschreven voor Reginald Hebers befaamde lofhymne en werd wereldwijd geliefd toen ze in 1861 werd opgenomen in Hymns Ancientand Modern. In deze prachtige solo kunnen solisten laten horen hoe je echte emoties verklankt.

Philip Sparke wählte das bekannte englische Kirchenlied Holy, Holy, Holy und schuf daraus eine kreative Reihe von Variationen für Euphonium und Blasorchester. Die Hymne basiert auf die berühmte Melodie Nicaea von John Bacchus Dykes, dessen zahlreiche im 19. Jahrhundert entstandene Kirchenlieder heute noch gesungen werden. Variants on an English Hymn Tune weist eine traditionelle Air Varié-Form mit Einleitung, Thema und drei Variationen auf.

John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) a composé la mélodie Nicaea pour accompagner le magnifique texte de louange Holy, holy, holy! écrit par Reginald Heber. L'hymne conna?t un succ¬s universel d¬s sa publication dans le psautier Hymns Ancient and Modern en 1861. Philip Sparke a repris cette cél¬bre mélodie pour composer Variants on an English Hymn Tune qui se présente sous la forme traditionnelle d'un air varié dont la structure comporte une introduction, un th¬me et une suite de trois variations sur le th¬me.

SKU: BT.AMP-108-140

English-German-French-Dutch.

This set of variations on the well-known hymn tune ‘Holy, holy, holy!’ will make a most satisfying addition to the solo repertoire for euphonuim and concert band. It is in the traditional air varié form with an introduction, theme and 3 variations. The original melody (known as Nicaea) was composed by John Bacchus Dykes’ especially for Reginald Heber’s renowned hymn of praise and became universally popular when it was included in Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861. A beautiful solo that will test the soloists ability to show true emotion.

Deze serie variaties op de bekende hymnemelodie Holy, holy, holy! zal een geliefde aanvulling vormen op het solorepertoire voor euphonium en blaasorkest. Variants on an English Hymn Tune is geschreven in een traditionele air varié-vorm- met een introductie, thema en drie variaties. John Bacchus Dykes’ beroemde melodie Nicaea werd speciaal geschreven voor Reginald Hebers befaamde lofhymne en werd wereldwijd geliefd toen ze in 1861 werd opgenomen in Hymns Ancientand Modern. In deze prachtige solo kunnen solisten laten horen hoe je echte emoties verklankt.

Philip Sparke wählte das bekannte englische Kirchenlied Holy, holy, holy und schuf daraus eine kreative Reihe von Variationen für Euphonium und Blasorchester. Die Hymne basiert auf der berühmten Melodie Nicaea von John Bacchus Dykes, dessen zahlreiche im 19. Jahrhundert entstandenen Kirchenlieder heute noch gesungen werden. Variants on an English Hymn Tune weiste eine traditionelle Air Varié Form mit Einleitung, Thema und drei Variationen auf.

John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876) a composé la mélodie Nicaea pour accompagner le magnifique texte de louange Holy, holy, holy! écrit par Reginald Heber. L’hymne conna?t un succès universel dès sa publication dans le psautier Hymns Ancient and Modern en 1861. Philip Sparke a repris cette célèbre mélodie pour composer Variants on an English Hymn Tune qui se présente sous la forme traditionnelle d’un air varié dont la structure comporte une introduction, un thème et une suite de trois variations sur le thème.

SKU: BT.AMP-223-140

9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

A Midwest Celebration is geschreven voor de Decatur Municipal Band uit Illinois in de Verenigde Staten, ter gelegenheid van het 150-jarig bestaan van dit orkest. Philip Sparke kreeg de opdracht een werk te schrijven dat rechtzou doen aan de lange geschiedenis van het orkest - met een weerspiegeling van het gevarieerde repertoire, dat bestaat uit traditionele kost, zoals ouvertures en marsen, maar dat ook nieuwe, originele werken en arrangementen bevat.A Midwest Celebration is gebaseerd op de populaire negentiende-eeuwse orkestouvertures van componisten als Berlioz, Verdi en Suppé.

Für den schwungvollen Auftakt dieser Hommage an ein Blasorchester, das Traditionelles und moderne Originalwerke in seinem Repertoire vereint, nahm sich Philip Sparke die Ouvertüren eines Berlioz, Verdi oder Suppé zum Vorbild. Dem setzte er als zweites Thema eine heitere Melodie entgegen, die durch verschiedene Teile des Blasorchesters gereicht und weiterentwickelt wird, bevor sich im Höhepunkt beide Ideen treffen und das Werk beenden.

Le Midwest est une vaste région du centre des États-Unis, entre la Côte Est et l'Ouest américain. Fondé le 19 septembre 1857, l’Orchestre d’Harmonie Municipal de Decatur (Illinois, États-Unis) est une des plus anciennes formations civiles américaines. Depuis sa création, l’orchestre n’a jamais cessé de participer activement la vie florissante de la cité, se produisant lors de concerts en intérieur ou en plein air, de parades ou de certains événements spéciaux. la demande de Jim Culbertson, directeur musical de l’orchestre, Philip Sparke fut chargé d’écrire une pièce qui illustre la longue et riche histoire de la formation travers un répertoire varié qui s’étend de l’universclassique avec ses ouvertures et marches jusqu’aux œuvres originales et arrangements d’œuvres récents.A Midwest Celebration s’inspire de quelques célèbres ouvertures orchestrales du XIXe siècle écrites par de grands compositeurs tels que Berlioz, Verdi et Suppé. L’introduction est florissante. Tout s’apaise lorsqu’apparaît une mélodie aux courbes harmonieuses, jouée par les cors, les clarinettes et les saxophones. Mais peine commence-t-il se développer que le thème est brutalement interrompu par l’intervention des trompettes qui ouvrent un vertigineux passage Vivace, illuminé par des fanfares brillantes (cuivres) et une profusion d’éléments d’ornementation (bois). Les cors reprennent l’exposition de la mélodie initiale soutenus par la douceur ondulante des fl tes. Soudain, les lignes mélodiques du Vivace resurgissent et balayent la musique pour progresser vers leur intensité maximale, point de rencontre entre les deux thématiques qui mènent le composition vers sa conclusion.