and Make a Joyous Sound (2000)

GRADE 5 • 2:00 • published by C. Alan Publications

PROGRAM NOTES

Written as a short fanfare, and Make A Joyous Sound makes full use of the heroic expressions of brass and percussion adding the woodwinds to embellish the rhythmic figures with brilliance and color. The opening motive is written in a compound meter (beat divided into three equal pans); however, the agitated figure in the following phrase segment after the initial motive makes use of the sub-divided beat into three by dividing it further into two. This rhythmic impulse is used to perpetuate and drive the opening of the fanfare as the motive is repeated several times followed by the concluding, rhythmically active phrase segment. Much of this fanfare uses the mixolydian mode with its subtonic seventh scale degree (lowered seventh) creating minor to major phrase endings. In many sections, the introduction as an example, the coupling of several brass instruments in unison and octaves creates the sound typical of ancient ceremonial brass. Additional rhythmic variety is achieved in various sections of the piece by shifting the compound meter in and out of a simple beat (beat divided into two equal parts) by changing where the accents fall within the measure. The piece also contains sections using contrary motion within the harmonic texture, a distinguishing feature found in much of Cichy's works.

INSTRUMENTATION

Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe 1 & 2, Bassoon 1 & 2, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone

Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 - 4, Trombone 1 - 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, triangle), Percussion 2 (crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, Percussion 3 (chimes, orchestra bells, triangle)

Strings: String Bass