Labyrinth

Labyrinth is built upon a series of percussion ostinati which set up a modified Afro-Cuban groove. Building intensity through several modulations, culminating in a crescendo which leads to a tremendous climax. As the title suggests, the piece ends as it began, with the listener poised to take another journey.

Program Notes

A labyrinth is defined as a network of winding, interconnecting passages through which it is difficult to find one's way. Labyrinth is built upon a series of percussion ostinati which set up a modified Afro-Cuban groove. The brass and woodwind sections trade two thematic ideas as the piece progresses. The brass section utilizes stacked chords on a repeated fanfare figure, while the woodwinds answer with a more lyrical statement. The piece builds intensity through several modulations, culminating in a crescendo which leads to a tremendous climax. As the title suggests, Labyrinth ends where it began, with the listener poised to take another journey.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2003
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 3:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

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

Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2/3
Horn 1/2
Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2/3
Euphonium
Tuba

Piano

Mallet Percussion (marimba, xylophone)
Percussion 1 (hi-hat, Chinese cymbal)
Percussion 2 (congas)
Percussion 3 (low timbale - optional concert tom)
Percussion 4 (bongos)
Percussion 5 (mounted cowbell - muted)