Smaller Ups and Downs (5 Winds & Soloist)
Roger M. Aldridge
About this work:
This composition for 5 wind instruments and soloist explores interplay between structure and freedom. It is based on an 11-tone harmonic complex and a series of tonal effects providing backgrounds to, and interactions with, the soloist. The role of the soloist is entirely improvised.
The soloist can conceivably be any instrument. Additionally, the soloist does not have to be limited to one musician. It can be expanded to multiple musicians -- up to the size of a small band (any genre). Any creative possibility can be explored.
I envision this composition as being a framework for a collective creative process to take place between the soloist, conductor, and ensemble with each interacting with the others. In this way, the score is a point of departure for wherever the musicians want to take the music.
Year composed: 2012
Duration: 00:00:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Woodwind Quintet
Instrumentation: 1 Alto Flute, 1 Oboe, 1 Clarinet, 1 Bassoon, 1 Horn in F
Instrumentation notes: The soloist can conceivably be any instrument. Additionally, the role of the soloist does not have to be limited to one musician. It can be expanded to multiple musicians up to a small jazz or avant-garde rock band..even a tango or polka band! The possibilities are endless.
This composition was originally conceived for woodwind quintet (with alto flute). However, a decision was made to not specify instrumentation in the score and use a flexible approach to the ensemble. An instrument is selected for each ensemble part from those wind instruments that are within its range. Creative combinations of tone colors is encouraged.