concerto for alto saxophone and wind ensemble (2024)
This work is currently under consortium exclusivity until June 2026.
[recording coming soon]
instrumentation
Piccolo, 2 Flutes, Oboes, Bassoons, 3 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet in Bb, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone
3 Trumpets in Bb, 4 Horns in F, 2 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Double Bass
Piano
Timpani (4 drums)
5 Percussion:
Vibraphone, Snare Drum
Marimba, Bass Drum
Crotales, Toms (3 drums: low, medium, high), Wood Block, Snare Drum
Glockenspiel, Toms (shared w/ Perc. 3) Ride Cymbal, Splash Cymbal
Guiro, Xylophone, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Hi-Hat
details
Duration: 7 minutes
First Performance: September 29, 2024
Maryland Winds
Doug O’Connor, saxophone
Timothy J. Holtan, conductor
Guilford Park High School,
Jessup, MD
Commissioned by:
University of Arkansas—Chris Knighten, conductor; Sarah Hetrick, saxophone (Co-organizer)
Indiana University—Tiffany J. Galus, conductor (Co-organizer)
Duke Wind Symphony—Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, conductor
Hickory Ridge High School—Chris White, conductor; Dylan Ward, saxophone
Maryland Winds—Timothy J. Holtan, conductor; Doug O’Connor, saxophone
Rowan University Wind Ensemble—Joseph Higgins, conductor; Noa Even, saxophone
The United States Coast Guard Band—Adam Williamson, conductor
University of Colorado Boulder—Matthew Dockendorf, conductor; Nathan Mertens, saxophone
University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Wind Ensemble—Brian Kaufman, conductor
University of Michigan—Timothy McAllister, saxophone
University of Nebraska at Omaha—Joshua Kearney, conductor
University of North Florida—Erin Bodnar, conductor
The University of Southern Mississippi—Catherine Rand, conductor; Dannel Espinoza, saxophone
And the following individual saxophonists: Christopher Agnew; Zach Arthur; Scott Augustine; Logan Banister; Joel Ferst; Toree Fogle; Sterling Fry; Derek Granger; Jack Hammersly; Kyle Blake Jones; Dylan Matheny; Austin McFarland; Jason Oates; Doug O’Connor; Stephen Page; Tyrone Page; Shawna Pennock; Olivia Phaneuf; Nicki Roman; Eugene Ryoo; Chance Stine; Joshua Thomas; Jack Thorpe; Tyler Trickey; Fred Winkler
program note
Time Unfolding is inspired by the captivating images of galaxy and star formation from NASA’s James Webb Telescope. The composition explores the profound implications of the nature of time, considering that the images, captured using infrared light, traveled billions of light years and provide glimpses into the early stages of the universe.
Each of the three movements is named for a method to capture information about the substance of stars and galaxies. The exuberant, bubbling opening movement, “Abundance Ratio,” quantifies the amounts of individual elements in stars. In the slower, ethereal middle movement, “Infrared,” I imagine the saxophone as a laser beam illuminating its surroundings as it sweeps through its full sonic range. “Metallicity” tracks the heavier metal elements in stars and nebulas; the final movement is a forceful, driving groove with racing passages for the saxophone and an explosive finish.
This music is dedicated to my father, who transitioned to stardust during the composition of this work.