Quintessence

Brass Quintet & Percussion Feature

Quintessence is a short flamboyant designed as a concert opener featuring a brass quintet and solo percussionist. The primary theme is quite athletic while the secondary theme is quite lyrical. The whole package is an exciting romp for both the soloists and ensemble.

Program Notes

Quintessence was commissioned by the Illinois State University Wind Symphony conducted by Stephen K. Steele. This short flamboyant work is designed as a concert opener featuring a brass quintet and solo percussionist. The structure of the work can be loosely compared to a rondo design with recurrences of both primary and secondary themes. The primary theme is quite athletic and angular following outlines of major seventh and ninth chords whereas the secondary theme is quite lyrical. The recurrences are altered with the episodic sections with flirt with both themes including one which reminisces a Baroque fugue, one which features the frequently used meter of eleven-sixteen and one that alludes to jazz rhythms and harmonies.

Grade Level: 5
Copyright: 1997
Number of Players: Standard + 6
Duration: 4:55
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: With Soloist
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

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

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

String Bass

Solo Trumpet 1
Solo Trumpet 2
Solo F Horn
Solo Trombone
Solo Tuba
Solo Percussion (drum set, temple blocks, 5 timpani, bass drum, 3 tom-toms, bongos)

Percussion 1 (xylophone, bells, congas)
Percussion 2 (suspended cymbal, tam-tam, crash cymbals)
Percussion 3 (bass drum, 3 tom-toms, snare drum, 2 brake drums, claves, chimes)