Symphonic Band Ensemble

This composition was commissioned by Filippo Salemmi, the Director of the Bevagna (Italy) Symphonic Band. It is dedicated to him and to the beautiful city of Bevagna. It is based on the Gregorian Kyrie from the Mass of the Virgin Mary. After a solemn introduction the composition evolves into an intimate section played by the woodwinds. A driving rhythm combined with contrappuntal features concludes the composition. Of medium difficulties (level 4) can be a great addition to any wind ensemble symphonic band concert.

• I. Telegraph Avenue [listen]
  
• II. The Berkeley Library [listen]
  
• III. Walking on Campus [listen]
  
• IV. UC Berkeley – Gold and Blue [listen]
  

• I. Telegraph Avenue
  
• II. The Berkeley Library
  
• III. Walking on Campus
  
• IV. UC Berkeley – Gold and Blue

Berkeley Pictures was commissioned by The Wind Ensemble of the University of California, Berkeley. It recreates the bizarre atmosphere of the Berkeley Campus. It is divided into four diverse movements, with a majestic fugue in the last movements.It is a challenging and musically rewarding composition (Level 5).

La Marcia was written in Jesi during the summer of 2007. It is dedicated to Pierino Ombrosi and his lovely town of Staffolo (Italy). Instead of being a typical march for band, this composition is sparkling and eccentric with sudden changes of timbre, and a witty trio where the solo clarinet and the piccolo flute can show their bravura. (Level 4)

In Melodia Americana the composer is trying to catch the flavors of American Music seen through his European eyes. Next to open chord based on 4th and 5th he develops the melody with extensive use of counterpoint. This composition was a finalist at the first Frank Ticheli composition contest. (Level 2)

Moroccan Melody was written for the occasion of the Stanford Wind Ensemble tour to Morocco. It is inspired by a melody of Moroccan composer Said Chraibi. The composition begins with the melody used in cannon by the wood winds, then through four variations slowly turns into the swing rhythm of the American jazz band. One of the most exciting moments is the variation played by percussion instruments only. (Level 5)

• I. Adagio - Moderato [listen]
  
• II. Moderato [listen]
  
• III. Adagio - Allegro con Spirito [listen]
  

• I. Adagio - Moderato
  
• II. Moderato
  
• III. Adagio - Allegro con Spirito

The Concerto for Tuba is dedicated to Alessandro Fossi, an extraordinary virtuoso Italian tuba player. The composition is divided into the typical three movement form. The first is based on complex and irregular rhythms. In the second movement the tuba sings a beautiful melody that echoes the music tradition of American blues. In the last, the virtuoso technique of the soloist is taken to the extreme in a joyful and fast ending. (Level 6)

The Concerto for Clarinet consists of three movements. The first is a sonata form with two themes based on complex rhythms. The second is a stunning lyrical movement where the soloist establishes a dialog with the other wood winds of the ensemble. A jazzy third movement adds a delightful ending to the composition. An ideal piece for an ensemble with a fine first clarinetist. (Level 5)

Divertimento per Banda was written in the year 2000 for the Stanford University Wind-Ensemble. The composition has an Italian flavor, but it also exhibits an American influence. Italian folk tunes from the composer’s native town of Jesi are mixed with elements of the American Blues. At times, those tunes are elaborated with contrapuntal techniques; sometimes, the tunes are distorted in a bizarre, fantastic and grotesque way. The composer has attempted to convey his memories to go back to when his grandfather played accordion at home and everyone was sitting around him singing. The exactnesss of those tunes may have been lost over time in the composer’s memories or they have changed as a result of his new America imagination. The attentive listener will hear the peculiar beginning of a fantastic Fellini movie, jazz elements mixed with the folk tunes and the accordion playing a waltz while Italian peasants are dancing around the player. (level 4)