COMMOTION
Joseph Bertolozzi
About this work:
“COMMOTION” was commissioned by Dr. Mark Davis Scatterday for the Eastman Wind Ensemble after hearing horn soloist David Lesser, and conductor J. Gregory Miller perform “The Contemplation of Bravery.” The unremitting aggression of “COMMOTION” is as far from the languorous sound-world of “Contemplation” as can be imagined, however. Tumultuous from start to finish, this short work’s rhythms, melodies, textures and sonorities crash atop one another unrelentingly, seeking some elusive target until a final, volcanic eruption brings it all to a close. Intending to write a vibrant new piece from the start, I could only come up with tender material in the beginning. I finally limited myself to accepting only inspiration I felt was ferocious enough, and then let that energy direct the work.
Year composed: 2006
Duration: 00:02:35
Ensemble type: Band:Wind Ensemble
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes (e.h.), bassoon, contrabassoon. Eb clarinet; 2 Bb clarinets, Bb Contrabass clarinet (bass clarinet). alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone. 4 Bb trumpets (3 doubling flugelhorn), 3 horns, 2 tenor trombones, bass trombone, 2 euphoniums, 1 tuba. 3 percussion.