Seal Beach, CA. (Photo by Stephen Hill)
Harmelodic Configurations (on the tones CBDAAG)
I. Fanfare and Canon
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Level: Grade 3-4
Length: ca. 2:00
Year: (2007)
Tempos: Con Slancio q= 80
Conductor Scores are available in printed format only. Parts are available as a Printed Master Set or as a PDF Master Set, with permission to print or copy parts as needed for your licensed ensemble.
Complete Performance Azusa Pacific University Wind Ensemble
Dr. John Burdett, Conductor (Concert Program)
I. Fanfare and Canon (Con Slancio)
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The descriptive term "Con Slancio" (Italian), is translated, as "With vehemence, impetuously." (Sometimes written islancio, for the sake of euphony). From the Dictionary of Musical Terms (1895 Edition) by Dr. Theo. Baker.
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I first came across the term "slancio" in the music of John Barnes Chance. Chance uses the term in several of his works: Blue Lake Overture and Symphony No. 2. During my studies with Francis McBeth at Ouachita Baptist University, he and Band Director Marvin Lawson, shared stories of their classmate, John Barnes Chance while at the University of Texas, where they studied with Clifton Williams. Since the work, as commissioned, was to be based specifically on the tones CBDAAG, the 1st Movement begins with a Fanfare that strongly establishes those series of notes. The Canon passes the tones throughout the brass section and then throughout the whole ensemble. In contrast to the aggressive opening, the 1st movement closes with a cascading setting of the tone row that sets up the quiet and peaceful 2nd Movement.