Loud Sunsets (2008)

Recorded live on April 3, 2008, Duke University Wind Symphony, Emily Threinen, conductor.

Team

1 Piccolo
3 Flute 1
3 Flute 2
2 Oboe 1
2 Oboe 2
3 Clarinet in B-flat 1
3 Clarinet in B-flat 2
3 Clarinet in B-flat 3
1 Bass Clarinet
1 Bassoon 1
1 Bassoon 2
2 Alto Saxophone in E-flat
1 Tenor Saxophone in B-flat
1 Baritone Saxophone in E-flat
3 Trumpet in B-flat 1
3 Trumpet in B-flat 2
2 Trumpet in B-flat 3
2 Horn in F 1
2 Horn in F 2
2 Trombone 1
2 Trombone 2
2 Trombone 3
2 Euphonium
3 Tuba
1 Timpani
1 Percussion 1: Glockenspiel, Vibraphone (motor off), Snare Drum
1 Percussion 2: Crash Cymbals, Large Tam-Tam, Large Triangle, Marimba, Finger Cymbal
1 Percussion 3: Crotales (two-octave set**), Small Tam-Tam, Large Bass Drum, Large Suspended Cymbal (with a dark sound)

Preface

The sunsets in North Carolina are different from the ones that I grew up with in Boston. Even here in Durham, one of the largest cities in the state, tall buildings are few and far between. As I drive home everyday on highway 15-501, when afternoon slowly turns into dusk, the sun settles calmly against an expansive sky. The colors are bright, herds of clouds make their way across the horizon, and the city’s steady turn towards evening has always commanded this commuter’s attention.

Loud Sunsets was written in 2007 for the Boston University Concert Band, Chris Parks, director, commissioned by the Theta Beta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. The work was premiered by the Duke University Wind Symphony with conductor Emily Threinen. I’d like to especially thank the brothers of Theta Beta for making this project possible.

Heard

• April 3, 2008, Duke University Wind Symphony, Emily Threinen, conductor (Durham, NC)

• April 26, 2008, Boston University Concert Band, Chris Parks, conductor (Boston, MA)