Eric Ewazen: "Symphony In Brass"

Symphony in Brass

I. Andante; Allegro Molto

II. Andante Con Moto

III. Allegro Vivace

Eric Ewazen

Born: March 1, 1954, Cleveland, Ohio

Instrumentation: Brass Choir and Percussion

Composed: 1991

Duration: 18 minutes

University of Maryland Wind Orchestra

"Circus Maximus"

Sunday, December 4, 2016, 4:00 pm

Elsie & Marvin Dekelboum Concert Hall

Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

The University of Maryland at College Park

Eric Ewazen's Symphony in Brass was commissioned by the Detroit Chamber Winds in 1991 and recorded by the Summit Brass Ensemble. It uses “symphonic” brass instrumentation: four trumpets, four horns, three trombones, euphonium, tuba, and percussion. Ewazen masterfully utilizes a very standard three-movement form, including a “Haydn-esque” first movement that has a slow introduction followed by a typical Allegro. The second movement is a beautiful Andante that features a reflective, yet powerful, use of the brass voices. A triumphant tutti fanfare starts the third movement and is followed by solo lines exchanged by each instrument. The piece ends in a joyful flourish with the return of the opening fanfare.

- Program Notes from the "President's Own" United States Marine Band

Eric Ewazen, Symphony in Brass, I. Andante; Allegro Molto

Summit Brass