Vestida de Luto

The Spanish title Vestida de Luto translates roughly into "draped in mourning black" since the composition is inspired by the image of the black clad "old world widows" donning black veils indefinitely after the passing of their spouse. The entire tone poem depicts various aspects of death and dying in the tradition of such works as Tod and Verklarung by Richard Strauss.

Program Notes

The Spanish title Vestida de Luto translates roughly into "draped in mourning black" since the composition is inspired by the image of the black clad "old world widows" donning black veils indefinitely after the passing of their spouse.

The entire tone poem depicts various aspects of death and dying in the tradition of such works as Tod and Verklarung by Richard Strauss. The main thematic, rhythmic, and harmonic ideas for the work are revealed in the first 34 measures of the piece. There is a dichotomy between Cb Major and Bb minor on and off throughout the work. Furthermore, major and minor thirds as well as the melodic seconds which outline the thirds are the primary building blocks of the composition.

Grade Level: 5
Copyright: 2004
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 14:30
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

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

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

Timpani
Percussion 1 (xylophone, bells, vibraphone)
Percussion 2 (gong, tambourine, triangle, crash cymbals, xylophone, bass drum)
Percussion 3 (4 tom-toms, suspended cymbal)
Percussion 4 (snare drum, tambourine, bell tree)