March of the Aerialists

ENSEMBLE
Brass Ensemble

INSTRUMENTATION
3 trumpets in Bb, 4 horns in F, 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba

DURATION
4’00”

Commissioned by the Denver Municipal Band.

Premiered by the West Texas A&M Brass Ensemble.

PROGRAM NOTES
This march is a lighthearted and spirited work for symphonic brass. It creates a feisty tone through humorous gestures and lively melodies. The independent lines weave together in animated polyphony, echoing the aerialists and their graceful dance through the air.

The march is structured in a ternary form, but the texture was developed to rely on levity. Balanced against the jocular melodies is a chromatic motive – descending and rising as the aerialists execute their routines. Below all this is the swift impetus and drive of a graceful, tango-like bass.