Spartan Spirit (2001)

Fanfare for Brass, Percussion, and Double Basses

 

First performance by members of the Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra, Leon Gregorian, conductor, Great Hall of the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, April, 2002.

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Spartan Spirit - sample 1

Spartan Spirit - sample 2

Spartan Spirit - sample 3

 

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Performance material available through American Composer Edition

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Scored for Trumpets 1, 2, 3 (C)*; Horns 1, 2, 3, 4 (F); Trombones 1, 2, Bass Trombone; Tuba; Double Basses**; Percussion 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

*Trumpets:  Parts are provided for Bb as well as for C trumpets.

** Double Basses: The Double Basses may be employed under one of the following plans: 1) a full section of orchestral basses situated behind and to the side of the brass, opposite the percussion; 2) three basses situated toward the front of the stage; 3) one amplified bass situated in a position that is logistically feasible, preferably toward the front of the stage.

 

Duration: 6 minutes

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Program note

Maestro Leon Gregorian invited the MSU faculty composers to write fanfares for the 2001-02 concert season. The occasion was the 75^th anniversary of the MSU orchestra program. The fanfares were to be written for the brass and percussion sections of the orchestra. I persuaded Leon to allow me to include the string bass section as well. I had fun writing Spartan Spirit. The piece plays around with the Spartan Fight Songin ways that probably mystified many of the listeners. Two of my colleagues commented after the performance that it seemed somewhat Ivesian, the reference being to Charles Ives. Thank you very much!

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