Music for Winds and Percussion. (Original Composition).
Frank Ticheli · Deep Blue (University of Michigan) · 1987
Music for Winds and Percussion was composed in response to a decided need for wind ensemble literature. The work consists of three highly contrasting movements. The first, "Reverie", is emotionally restrained and subjective, while the last movement, "Caprice", is boisterous and carefree. This polarity is separated by the middle movement, "Phantasy". Although the movements were written as a unit, they may also be performed independently. The thematic material of "Reverie" is drawn from the opening measures in which ten primary motivic cells are introduced. During the course of the movement these motives are transformed, superimposed, and set into conflict with one another. The form consists of an exp and ing series of development sections separated by a contracting series of more tranquil episodes. Periods of tension grow progressively longer while periods of relief grow shorter. In "Phantasy" the mood is dream-like. Contrasting sections are separated by very brief recollections of the previous movement, much in the way that reality sometimes interrupts the dreams of a sleeper. Unlike the first two movements, "Caprice" maintains a constant tempo, emphasizes vertical sonorities, and focuses on a tonal center of E('(FLAT)). An ostinato figure, appearing first in the piano, then throughout the ensemble, is the primary structural idea for the movement.