Fanfare for our time (2011)

Brass Quintet & Antiphonal Wind Ensemble

Duration 4’ 30’’

Performance

December 6, 2011 Boston Brass and Samford Wind Ensemble

1. Jim Smisek, conductor
   

2. 
   

February 25, 2012  Sarana Chou Faculty Composition Recital

Program Notes

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth." - Isaiah 65:17.

Fanfare for Our Time, scored for brass quintet and antiphonal wind ensemble, was written as part of Boston Brass’s “Fanfare! ­ 25th Anniversary Project.” The goal of this project is “to have 25 new fanfares written for Boston Brass by composers from across the globe, each of which will be premiered by Boston Brass at the performance venue most associated with that composer.”

There are two continuous sections in this piece ­ “The Darkness” and “A Vision”. The opening of the fanfare, which begins with percussion ensemble alone and later adds the brass quintet, is an attempt to reflect our chaotic and rapidly moving society. The time of darkness, represented by alternating solo woodwind lines, is interrupted and enlightened by the quintet’s march-like music. The piece then transforms into a celebrative style that symbolizes the vision of “new heavens and a new earth.” In the time of this anniversary celebration, I would like to dedicate this piece to Boston Brass, for their devotion to excellent music making and their commitment to bring great music to the people of our time.