Trope ...origin of...

for wind ensemble (2011)

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Duration: 7 minutes

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Instrumentation:

picc.2.afl.2.corA.3.bcl.2.dbn–ssax.asax.tsax.barsax–4.3.3.euph.–timp.perc(2)–db

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Program Note:

In Medieval chant performance, monks would add their individual creativity to established chant by embellishing words and music into the ordinary of the mass. They would elaborate with flowing melismas and flowery texts to the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Mother, and the saints and martyrs. In Trope ...origin of... I started with a section of plainchant and used the "trope" idea to embellish and comment on the chant. The melody is passed between individual instruments and groups while others pick up themes and elaborate on and vary them. The work builds to a central climax where all the instruments come together in an extended, majestic statement before separating into polyphonic exchanges and the return of the opening chant.

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