Septet for Winds
Michael Wittgraf
About this work:
Septet for Winds
by Michael Wittgraf
Program notes by the composer
Septet for Winds was composed in 2006 for Michele Gillman and the Gustavus
Adolphus College New Music Ensemble. The work is approximately seven minutes long
in a single movement. It calls for flute, oboe, clarinet in Bb, bassoon, horn in F, trumpet
in Bb, and trombone.
Its form is based on an arch, with two outer related sections surrounding a central,
tranquil section. The musical material of the outer sections are nearly identical, the
primary difference being that events in the concluding section pass in approximately
reverse order of those in the opening section. These sections feature dynamic contrasts,
rhythmic fragments, and color changes that take advantage of the natures of each
instrument and the widely varied tone qualities of the ensemble.
The inner section features tranquil harmonies, slow rhythms, and several short
melodies derived from and complementary to the harmonies. Shifting tone colors again
take advantage of the varied color palette of the ensemble.
The harmonic language of the entire piece is based on perfect intervals combined
with selective dissonance to create a pleasing progression of sounds. The progression
itself is based on a strict ordering of pitches and chords derived from mathematical
processes. The desired result is to surround the listener in a pleasing fabric of sound that
is woven from meticulously engineered material.
Year composed: 2006
Duration: 00:07:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 6-9 players
Instrumentation: 1 Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Horn in F, 1 Trumpet, 1 Trombone