Wisconsin Soundscapes (1998)

GRADE 4 • 8:30 • published by C. Alan Publications

PROGRAM NOTES

Having vacationed many summers in the backwoods of Wisconsin during his youth, composer Roger Cichy was excited to accept a commission from the University of Wisconsin-Superior that allowed him to turn many of his Wisconsin memories into music.  More specifically, Wisconsin Soundscapes is a musical photo album, one that especially reflects the many scenic panoramas of the Rhinelander region, including the pristine Pelican Lake and the Waupaca region.

The music follows a series of captions; Fog gives way to sunlight, In the woods – Raccoon Jive, In the woods – Tall Pines, Sunset in the Woods, Summer Splash, “Webfooters”, Moonlight on the Lake, Spring Sunrise, Pelican Lake, and Wisconsin Vitality, all reflecting the imprinted memories of stunning Wisconsin landscapes. 

Wisconsin Soundscapes was commissioned in 1998 by the University of Wisconsin-Superior Bands, Dr. David Scott, Conductor, in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Wisconsin Statehood.

INSTRUMENTATION

Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe, Bassoon, 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 & 2, Trombone 1 - 3, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, slapstick, suspended cymbal, triangle, shaker), Percussion 2 (sizzle cymbal, crash cymbals, maracas, woodblock, suspended cymbal, 4 concert toms, tambourine, wind chimes, temple blocks, vibraslap, triangle, orchestra bells), Percussion 3 (4 concert toms, chimes, orchestra bells, suspended cymbal, vibraphone, vibraslap, tam-tam)

Strings: String Bass