SKU: PR.416413710

ISBN 9781598068214. UPC: 680160587162. 9x12 inches.

Needham's original intent with Chamber Symphony was to encapsulate the 2008 presidential election, from the Democratic primaries to the historic general election campaign and win of Barack Obama. But, says Needham, In the midst of the general election circus, I decided to broaden my inspiration and have the work's overall goal focus on the larger ideas of hope and transformation. Chamber Symphony was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra with generous support of Paul Underwood. Additional support was from the National Endowment for the Arts.
I originally envisioned a work inspired by the political landscape of the 2008 presidential election, focusing primarily on the hard-fought Democratic Primary race. I was fascinated by the historic and hopeful spirit that both the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigns embodied. Sometime later, in the midst of the general election circus, I decided to broaden my inspiration and have the work’s overall goal focus on the larger ideas of hope and transformation. Chamber Symphony is constructed in three movements (played without pause): I. Hammering Out, II. Open-ended Echoes, and III. Radiant Nation. The titles suggest a general atmosphere that each movement attempts to express. The outer movements, both quick in tempo, act as the antithesis of each other in terms of mood. “Hammering Out” employs an aggressive, relentless, pounding beat that frequently shifts, often emphasized with metallic sounds. “Radiant Nation” is much lighter and more optimistic in tone, and uses an up-beat groove throughout the movement. The middle movement, “Open-ended Echoes,” is the proverbial calm after the storm. Unlike the outer movements, “Open-ended Echoes” is almost void of any strong sense of pulse. The movement attempts to create a peaceful, contemplative mood that transforms the volatile nature of the first movement tothe radiant spirit of the last. Chamber Symphony was commissioned by the American Composers Orchestra for its Orchestra Underground Series with the generous support of Paul Underwood. Additional support for the ACO’s Emerging Composers Program comes from the National Endowment for the Arts.— November 5, 2008.

SKU: AP.BDM00033C

UPC: 654979188544. English.

An original musical depiction of one of nature's more violent events. Beginning with a serene introduction . . . the calm before the storm . . . the music quickly portrays the fury. After gradually building to an intense percussive climax, the storm quickly moves away. Peace and calm return once again. This is a very impressive composition. Highly recommended.

SKU: AP.47393S

UPC: 038081548104. English.

Inspired by cyclones, this original work provides a fresh and contemporary musical experience. Opening with the calm before the storm, the frenzy grows with aggressive musical punctuations and transitions peacefully in the aftermath with a heroic final statement. Dynamic with plenty of fury, this composition is remarkably different and powerful. (3:00).

SKU: CF.CAS144

ISBN 9781491160527. UPC: 680160919116.

Sea Squall is about the journey of a ship traveling across turbulent seas. It starts with the primary melody that comes back frequently, with every section having a turn playing it. The context of this theme changes as the piece progresses. Sometimes it is calm and safe, and sometimes more powerful, like a storm with that lingering feeling of unpredictability. The bowings and dynamics, as well as what each section is playing, changes the mood and feeling of the music, from calm to animated to even heroic in the louder areas. There is a new theme introduced later in the cellos with the upper parts following soon after. The focus of the player should be to bring out these contrasts in the parts by observing the dynamics and articulations.
Sea Squall is about the journey of a ship traveling across turbulent seas. It starts with the primary melody that comes back frequently, with every section having a turn playing it. The context of this theme changes as the piece progresses. Sometimes it is calm and safe, and sometimes more powerful, like a storm with that lingering feeling of unpredictability. Thebowings and dynamics, as well as what each section is playing, changes the mood and feeling of the music, from calm to animated to even heroic in the louder areas. There is a new theme introduced later in the cellos with the upper parts following soon after. The focus of the player should be to bring out these contrasts in the parts by observing the dynamics and articulations.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians

SKU: AP.29475S

UPC: 038081319247. English.

Wind was originally a part of a multi-movement work based on the elements of the universe. It has been re-scored and edited for symphonic band. Through this piece, the composer has tried to musically represent the many facets of wind -- quiet and gentle . . . a wistful and mysterious breeze . . . the flurry of a gusting wind . . . and the calm, somewhat eerie feeling after a storm. (3:05).