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Sheetmusic

The Winds of Power

 

Commissioned by the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain

Unlike Nigel Hess's other works for wind band, The Winds of Power is not programmatic, but is more abstract and harmonically adventurous, exploring the colours of the ensemble in many varied and sometimes startling ways. After a dark and menacing opening a solo trumpet introduces a theme which will eventually become the centre of the piece, and this is soon heard tutti in a lyrical form. This is interrupted by a return to the opening mood, with only a brief respite in the form of a chorale for clarinet choir and harp. The theme tries to return once more in a rousing, somewhat filmic version, but again the sense of foreboding overtakes it. An unsettling marchlike section follows before the theme returns in its most lyrical and gentle guise, introduced by woodwind solos. Eventually a mood of optimism returns in a maestoso statement which erupts into a presto coda, ending the journey in a triumphant blaze of sound.

 

Publisher: Faber Music

ISBN: 0571561608

Item Code: 0571561608

Series: Faber Wind Band

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