Product Description
Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra
Composer: Graeme Culpepper
Year: 2022
Program Notes:
I feel that there is a time in every composer's life when they decide to
write a concerto. Writing a concerto is as intriguing as it is difficult, as
finding a balance between soloist and ensemble can prove to be a tricky
task. Whats more, is deciding upon said ensemble. In todays musical
climate, the supporting ensemble can be a variety of different
instrumental groups ranging from a chamber ensemble consisting of
just a few musicians to a full symphony orchestra. In my humble
opinion, with a genre as grand as a concerto, especially one involving the
trumpet, I find it fitting to use the orchestra to accompany the trumpet.
However, I opted to use an orchestra without a trumpet section to better
support the soloist.
This concertos first movement is built upon a couple of form-defining
motifs. One in the form of an ostinato that is constantly changing meter,
and another that is a simple short rhythmic cell that is able to fit in a
variety of different textures throughout the movement. This movement
also introduces the main motif throughout the entire concerto: a melodic
sequence consisting of a minor third, a perfect fifth, followed by another
minor third which resolves down by half step. This is the unifying motif
of the entire concerto.
I often ponder as to where the material in the second movement came
from. After a long time of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it
is a subconscious expression of myself that comes from deep within. The
second movement is perhaps the most vulnerable I have ever been with
any of the music I have written, and the experience I personally have
when listening to it is one that is very intimate.
The third movement is a thrilling romp that is entirely built on the
unifying motif mentioned earlier. The whole movement is essentially
one big variation of itself. This movement is arguably the most technical
and gives the trumpet soloist a great opportunity to show off their skill.
This movement is also built upon a one-bar rhythmic ostinato so that
the tension in this movement is never fully resolved until the very last
bar, in hopes that this will keep the listener on their toes at all times.
Performed live in Recital Hall at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music on March 1st, 2022
Purchase includes Full Score + Solo Trumpet Part
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