Fanfare for a Festive Day (1996)

GRADE 4.5 • 2:00 • published by Daehn Publications

Performance: Iowa State University Wind Ensemble | Conductor: Joseph Christensen

PROGRAM NOTES

Fanfare for a Festive Day is largely based on the four opening pitches, G, C, D and F played in ascending order. From their initial introduction by the horns, saxophones and 1st trombones, these pitches are utilized in several different ways such as countermelodic material found in the low brasses and woodwinds to upper woodwind figurations.  Eventually, this four-note motive is joined with additional material to become the thematic materials for the fanfare.  Throughout the main statement of this thematic material, changing meter patterns are used to compress the phrases thus pushing the music ahead and increasing its forward momentum.  After a short canon, which is based on the intervallic relationship of the opening motive, the fanfare returns to the theme.  This time the phrases have been extended with the upper brass (trumpets and horns) providing countermelodic material completing the musical phrases.

INSTRUMENTATION

Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe 1 & 2, Bassoon 1 & 2, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bb Contrabass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone

Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 - 4, Trombone 1 - 3, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, triangle), Percussion 2 (crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, orchestra bells)