Diversions for Wind Ensemble

This celebratory concert work pays tribute to the impulses of human nature. Haunting lyrical sections are contrasted with forceful and aggressive themes providing a pleasing contrast, concluding with a final peaceful resolution.

Program Notes

Diversions for Wind Ensemble is based upon the idea of conflict and resolution. It is highly organic in that all of the melodic and harmonic material of the piece are derived from the opening two gestures. The ascending fifth motive stated by two clarinets takes on a dominant role and becomes an aggressive theme presented in the brass in the key of C Lydian. This gesture represents the forceful and aggressive impulses of human nature. The lyrical woodwind statement in the key of D-flat major is by contrast gentle and introspective.

The initial conflict dissipates into a dance-like section incorporating elements of both themes. A free and improvisational interlude leads to a lyrical chorale presented in both keys by woodwind, then brass choirs. The dance material is alluded to again in a dissonant manner leading to a joyous climax. Diversions concludes with a final peaceful resolution of conflict and dissonance with D-flat and C finding a harmonious union in the final D-flat major seven chord.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2005
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 7:30
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2/3
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

Piano

Timpani
Percussion 1 (vibraphone, bass drum, crotales, marimba, crash cymbals)
Percussion 2 (triangle, suspended cmbal, woodblock, crash cymbals, 3 concert toms, wind chimes, bass drums)
Percussion 3 (4.5-octave marimba, tam-tam, 2 congas, piccoo snare drum, rain stick, wind chimes, chimes, bass drum)
Percussion 4 (bass drum, vibraphone, xylophone, marimba, crash cymbals)
Percussion 5 (crash cymbals, bells, 2 bongos, claves, tambourine, suspended cymbal, crotales, woodstock chimes, tam-tam)