Large Ensemble

NIGHT GLOW (2023) for Wind Ensemble

$150.00

NIGHT GLOW is a Grade 3 work for wind ensemble commissioned in the Fall of 2023 by Dr. Joe Parisi and the Roeland Park New Horizons Band. NIGHT GLOW takes inspiration from the idea of fusing together two separate songs that come from different holidays and religions: The classic Christmas carol “Silent Night” and the liturgical Jewish hymn “Ma'oz Tzur”. Both works are significant to their respective holiday and religion, and I felt that using “Silent Night” and “Ma'oz Tzur” in a wind ensemble setting could provide a meaningful and enjoyable piece for bands to perform, especially on holiday concerts. NIGHT GLOW begins with a gentle slow section, containing subtle references to “Silent Night”. The main thematic material passes from the woodwinds to the low brass, who along with timpani and bell-toning higher brass, gradually build in dynamics as more instruments continue to enter the texture. After a climactic fortissimo chord, a flowing tenor saxophone solo leads into a celebratory fast section containing references to “Ma'oz Tzur”. After a lyrical clarinet solo and a chorale-like trombone soli that begins to call back to “Silent Night”, the piece ends with a joyful finale that features sections and fragments of both “Silent Night” and “Ma'oz Tzur” being played simultaneously throughout the band.

Duration: Approx. 6-7 minutes

Difficulty: 3/5

Format: PDF Score and Parts

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Legacy of Gold (2019) - Fanfare for Brass Band

$50.00

Legacy of Gold was written for Dr. Kenneth Kroesche and the Oakland University Brass Band. It was created with the goal of conveying the spirit and exuberance found in the brass band repertoire. As a former member of the Oakland University Brass Band, the composer attempts to show the lasting friendships and bonds formed through partaking in the ensemble through musical content that is shared within the band along with energetic rhythms that form a strong sense of stability. Legacy of Gold calls back to the brass band’s winning performance at the 2014 North American Brass Band Championships by quoting the opening rhythms of Philip Wilby’s Paganini Variations, which the band performed as their choice piece at the event. Brass banding is its own unique world, a world that pushes these remarkable young musicians to be their own personal best and work with the rest of the ensemble as a single unit.

World premiere recording by the Oakland University Brass Band: https://soundcloud.com/ianlester-1/legacy-of-gold

Duration: 5 minutes

Difficulty: 2.5/5

Format: PDF Score and Parts

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Reaching Nirvana (2017) - for Wind Ensemble

$50.00

Reaching Nirvana is a Grade 3 work for wind ensemble was written for the Gregory Cunningham and the Oakland University Wind Symphony in 2017. It is meant to represent the transcendent state known as Nirvana in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self. The piece begins with a peaceful slow section, containing a rapid-fire, three-note motive that reappears throughout the work. This motive represents the blissfulness and tranquility associated with the state of Nirvana and a succeeding hymn-like section brings to life its potential religious implications. A fast, middle section evokes a feeling of joy and excitement while the strict sense of rhythm expresses a sense of control. The piece ends where it began, "re-birthing" the original thematic material, arriving at a resolute final chord: The arrival at Nirvana.

World premiere recording by the Oakland University Wind Symphony: https://soundcloud.com/ianlester-1/reaching-nirvana

Duration: 7 minutes

Difficulty: 2.5/5

Format: PDF Score and Parts

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