Indigo for Wind Ensemble - Brandon Schwab

I've never worked on a piece of music for as long as i've worked on this. I hope it shows, and I appreciate any and all feedback. The score in the video is still unedited, so apologies for any difficulty reading. 

https://youtu.be/e0yjHNenglU

A nice example of "Americana" wind ensemble writing.  The thematic material is playful and accessible ... with interesting texture and rhythmic changes.  Also there is a nice use of the percussion.  The brass is strong and present - as a driving force.  There are also some nice harmonic tempo shifts.

Question ... the piece requires a skilled set of players.  What is your target audience for this work?  College players?

Good work!

Mark

Brilliant. Engaging. Peter Mennin would have given you an award for this! It cries out for live performance.

7 hours ago, MJFOBOE said:

A nice example of "Americana" wind ensemble writing.  The thematic material is playful and accessible ... with interesting texture and rhythmic changes.  Also there is a nice use of the percussion.  The brass is strong and present - as a driving force.  There are also some nice harmonic tempo shifts.

Question ... the piece requires a skilled set of players.  What is your target audience for this work?  College players?

Good work!

Mark

 

 

Thank you so much for the feedback. 

Yes, i primarily write for college and honor band up. Some of my slower stuff is definitely accomplishable by most high school groups but my main focus is professional ensemble writing. 

56 minutes ago, Quinn said:

Brilliant. Engaging. Peter Mennin would have given you an award for this! It cries out for live performance.

 

I really appreciate the kind words. I don't know if im ready to be in the likes of Mennin, but thank you!

Hello @Brandon S,

This piece is real enjoyable with great wind and percussion colour. The beginning is very nice and reminds of Nino Rota's music. The percussion really add much colour to the music. In 2:49 you go for a more serious passage in slower tempo and provides good contrast there. In 4:00 the celesta melody is real beautiful, combined with flute and trumpet later. The slow D flat major section itself is full of contemplation, but I think maybe the slow sections are a bit long for me. The ending is nice with the spirit of the opening recapitulates. Thx for sharing!

Henry