Antipathy
This piece is written for 2 trumpets, horn, and trombone. It is very driving and features each individual performer at least once. Instances of octave doubling and hemiolas help “Antipathy” sound powerful and more difficult than it is.
Conflagration
Originally written for a member of a University of Minnesota clarinet quartet member, “Conflagration” is an intensely technical piece that maintains interest for both performer and audience member.
Descent into Darkness
The first trumpet part for “Descent” is written for piccolo trumpet, but could be performed on another horn as desired, with the top note being a concert C6. This piece is clearly partitioned into sections, and builds heavily upon ostinato patterns. The title is meant to illustrate someone succumbing to madness, making use of the tritone interval extensively.
The story of the Pentangle comes from Arthurian legend. A shape with five points and angles, it was placed on a shield, with each point representing a particular ideal or concept. All five of these movements are rather short, with the entire work clocking in around ten minutes. I had the opportunity to take this piece to the Atlantic Music Festival in the summer of 2014, where a woodwind quintet was able to workshop the piece and provide feedback.
The Pentangle Suite
Integration
Written for 2 C trumpets, horn, and trombone, the overall groove is very important to this work. Tempo also plays a big role, but does have a sizable acceptable range. I would say this recording is probably as fast as it should be played.
Canzon
“Canzon” (for brass quartet) begins by emulating the traditional style of the canzon, but quickly transitions into something all its own. A great piece for young performers, it is important to note that the trombone part can be played largely 8va, and the optional use of piccolo trumpet would be a good fit for an introduction to the instrument.
Written in a five part rondo form, the returning A sections are very modern and driving, while the material separating these sections can sometimes be more light-hearted. Overall, the piece has a heavy forward drive, and obvious jazz influences. Much like “Canzon” listed above, this piece for brass quartet can easily be performed with the trombone part 8va.