This piece for orchestra is a tribute to the fight for freedom and hope for peace for the Ukrainian people.
Musically, I wanted to explore new harmonic content (for me). I made an effort to focus on form and consciously reach a climatic point, mapping out the piece ahead of time.
I extensively used augmented chords with major 7ths, which led to some elusive and rich-sounding themes. Another technique used throughout was “senza vibrato” (no vibrato) to give a colder, but pure sound, especially in the strings.
Instrumentation for a medium/small sized orchestra: winds in pairs, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, trombone, timp, 1 perc, harp, piano, and strings.
I hope you enjoy this piece, and I look forward to your feedback.
Matt, thank you for listening! I hope you are well.
Yes, I am still using StaffPad for writing and my orchestra mockups. The strings were Spitfire Chamber Strings (SCS), but I did use OT Berlin Brass, timpani, and sometimes for the winds. SCS worked well as I wrote this piece intended for submission to a contemporary “chamber” orchestra with smaller string sections.
The orchestration provided some challenges (and opportunities!) to get that big late romantic sound. I was actually aiming for an early 20th-century style with a smaller ensemble (i.e. fewer brass and winds). I compensated for the smaller group by writing more across parts to have more “hands on deck”. I think it worked out and I’m eager to hear how this will sound with a real orchestra!
