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: PR.114417480

UPC: 680160634057.

Canticum Honoris Americorum, a nonet for brass, is gratefully dedicated to the American Brass Quintet. This legendary ensemble was one of the very first touring brass quintets, and the ensemble for which I wrote three of my brass quintets. Over the years, there have been several legendary players who performed with the ensemble, hence the inclusion of Past, Present, and Future in the dedication. Canticum was premiered at Julliard by the American Brass Quintet, along with four of their graduating students. Hence, a brass quintet with an additional trumpet, horn, trombone, and tuba. The work is entirely celebratory in spirit--full of life and energy; virtuosic, fanfare-like musical gestures; and a feeling of joy throughout. The American Brass Quintet has recorded Canticum Honoris Americorum on their 2017 CD Perspectives, on Summit Records. -Eric Ewazen.

SKU: BT.CMP-0413-00-120

This exciting medley of American spirituals is sure to please! Mike Hannickel's carefully crafted THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS helps young bands develop those all-important listening skills. They'll hear how each tune contrasts and complements the others when “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Who did Swallow Jo-Jo-Jonah” all come together in rousing counterpoint! THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS works wonderfully with the unpredictable instrumentation of so many youth bands, while it's contrapuntal nature allows every section to shine. THREE AMERICAN SPIRITUALS allows each parent to say honestly to their child I HEARD you play your part!

Een levendige medley waarin drie spirituals contrapuntisch zijn verwerkt: Go Tell It on the Mountain, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot en Who Did Swallow Jo-Jo-Jonah. Elke instrumentgroep komt in Three American Spiritualstot z’n recht en het stuk is bijzonder geschikt om het gehoor van jonge muzikanten te trainen.

Ein lebendiges Medley, das die drei bekannten amerikanischen Spirituals kontrapunktisch miteinander verbindet. Ein Stück, in dem jede Instrumentengruppe zu ihrem Recht kommt, welches überdies besonders geeignet ist, das Gehör der jungen Musiker zu schulen. Überzeugend!

SKU: CF.CM9750

ISBN 9781491162385. UPC: 680160921133. Key: F major. English. Robert Frost.

About the workFew American poems are as well known as The Road Not Taken. Robert Frost, the author, is an international icon, not unlike Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill or Mark Twain in their own disciplines. The poem is full of contradictions and quirks of form and structure. Perhaps that illusiveness is part of the poem's intrigue. But beyond all of the literary devices that only a few scholars may fully appreciate, this poem has taken on a sort of fanfare for the common person credo - a challenge to individualism, stepping out on one's own, and breaking the mold out of sheer determination if nothing else. Frost connects to the core of the human spirit in just a few stanzas using the analogy of a fork in a road. The message super cedes geography, culture, race or creed. Rather, it is part of the DNA of most every person on the planet - the inner desire to feel empowered to create one's own destiny, to forge a road not taken, and ultimately in doing so, to make a difference.Rehearsal notesResearch strongly suggests that there is a direct connection between the first rehearsal and the performance. First impressions last. I find it helpful to immediately lock three concepts into place - mechanics (notes/rhythms), text/phrasing (intent and motivation) and color (timbre). Performers need to think musically from the first reading forward (first impression). The cello is very much a collaborative instrument in this work, and should be located in front of the ensemble (not to side). Lastly, let the text speak. The simplest melodic lines are often the most exposed. Keep the voices clear and transparent, floating over the top in softer passages, and singing with vibrancy and forward focus throughout.Z. Randall Stroope.