Petals of Fire
(2017) | 5:45 minutes
Commissioned by The Michigan State University Wind Symphony, Kevin Sedatole, Director of Bands
LEVEL Grade 6
SCORING Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 4 Clarinets (B♭), Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 2 Alto Saxophones (E♭), Tenor Saxophone (B♭), Baritone Saxophone (E♭), 4 Trumpets (B♭), 4 French Horns (F), 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass, Piano and Celesta (1 player), Harp, Timpani, Percussion (4 players): Marimba, Xylophone, Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Tam-tam, Cymbals (suspended, crash), Low tuned gongs (F, A♭), Bass Drum.
PREMIERE 16 March 2017, CBDNA National Convention. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, Missouri.
Michigan State University Wind Symphony conducted by Kevin Sedatole.
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Programme Note
Petals of Fire is a fierce and colorful rhapsody inspired by American artist Cy Twombly’s 1989 painting of the same title. Part of the work was adapted from a movement of my Concerto for Orchestra. I’ve always been interested in learning how artists mix different styles and techniques to create a unique, new look. Inspired by Twombly’s attempt to combine text and color to express himself visually (literally, words are part of his painting, much like what Chinese painters did during the Song dynasty), I, as a composer, wanted to create a fusion of musical styles, harmony, and timbre, using a large wind ensemble. In a way, everyone in the ensemble is a “petal”: together, the fire glows, disappears, and dances…
Petals of Fire was commissioned by Michigan State University Wind Symphony and Director of Bands Kevin Sedatole for the 2017 CBDNA National Convention.
©Zhou Tian
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