Music for wind orchestra

Graham, P

Abstract

Montage - A Symphony for Wind Orchestra
Composer's Note
Each of the movements take as their starting point forms originating in music in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The first, an Intrada, presents the main thematic material (based on the interval of a third) in its embryonic
state.
As the piece progresses, this material is developed and manipulated in a variety of ways including
extension, inversion and compression. The interval of the third remains central to the overall scheme of
work, even unifying the three movements on a tonal plane (I - F (minor), II - Ab (major), III - Cb (minor)).
The internal structure of the Intrada is ABCB A, roughly modelled on movement I of the Concerto for
Orchestra by Witold Lutoslawski. The movement may be visualised as an arch.
A Chaconne follows. The basic material is now transformed into an expansive solo line which is
underpinned by a recurring sequence of five chords (again, a third apart). Proportions are organised
according to Golden Section principles using the Lucas summation series. A series of waves leads
ultimately to a dynamic climax before the music subsides, resting on a new tonal plane. The Chaconne's
continuous cycle of chords may visualised as circles.
The final movement, a rondo, bears the dramatic weight of the entire work, as the underlying tonal tensions
surface. An accelerated version of the 2nd movement solo line is used to introduce the clarinet's rondo
theme, itself a rhythmically altered statement of the melody with which the whole work began. A musical
journey ensues, making diversions through more lyrical territories as well as through spiky, jazz flavoured
ones.
The aural (and visual) montage is perhaps most apparent towards the climax of the piece, where three keys
and polyrhythms sound simultaneously in the woodwind, horns and low brass/timpani. The climax itself
combines the lyrical music heard earlier with the rondo theme, now presented in canon.
The teleological thrust of the movement (if not the entire work) can be symbolized by the flight of an arrow,
as it steers a predetermined course towards it's target.

Citation

Graham, P. Music for wind orchestra. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Vol. 2 of 2
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1999