Trumpet Sextet

Highly lyrical in affect and style, this work found its inspiration in a poem by Emily Dickinson 
(1830-1886) entitled “I had no time to Hate.” Originally composed for soprano and piano 
(part of the composer’s Dickinson song-cycle, “A Species Stands Beyond”), this version for 
trumpet ensemble makes extensive use of a variety of mutes, often in combination with each 
other. This produces subtle dynamic contrasts and overlapping shifts of tone color and 
harmony. The transition from minor to major toward the end reflects the poem’s progression 
from solemnity to a spirit of hope. Composed for the Altus Trumpet Ensemble. 

- Douglas Hedwig 

Commissioned by Eric Siereveld and the Altus Trumpet Ensemble. 

Douglas Hedwig:

The music of Douglas Hedwig (born 1951) has been performed throughout the U.S., Italy, 
Germany, England, Scotland, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Praised for the 
“coherent, yet adventurous character of his compositions” [Opus Klassiek, Netherlands), his 
music embraces “a wide range of musical styles…and showcases the eloquent sincerity of a 
contemporary American voice” [International Center for American Music].  

Winner of both the Gaetano Amadeo Prize (Italy) and The American Prize in composition, 
Hedwig is recipient of awards and honors from the Siena Art Institute (Italy), Brush Creek 
Foundation for the Arts, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.  Prior to 
turning his full creative attention to composition in 2012, he was a trumpet player with the 
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for 27 years. 

Dr. Hedwig is Professor Emeritus at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College, and was 
formerly on the faculty of The Juilliard School (NYC). 

Uddmāya take its title from the Sanskrit word, meaning “to make known or announce; as by means of the conch shell or trumpet.” Inspired by the classical vocal music of India, the work is a fusion of traditional Indian and Western classical styles. Drawing upon Indian modes (scales) within the melodic construction, the trumpet ensemble at times imitates the complex rhythms and meters associated with Hindustani tabla (drum) accompaniment. Of particular note is the extensive use of various mutes which provide a wide range of color and texture, as well as the frequent doubling for piccolo trumpet and flugelhorn.

- Douglas Hedwig

Commissioned by Eric Siereveld and the Altus Trumpet Ensemble.

Douglas Hedwig:

The music of Douglas Hedwig (born 1951) has been performed throughout the U.S., Italy, 
Germany, England, Scotland, Belgium, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Praised for the 
“coherent, yet adventurous character of his compositions” [Opus Klassiek, Netherlands), his 
music embraces “a wide range of musical styles…and showcases the eloquent sincerity of a 
contemporary American voice” [International Center for American Music].  

Winner of both the Gaetano Amadeo Prize (Italy) and The American Prize in composition, 
Hedwig is recipient of awards and honors from the Siena Art Institute (Italy), Brush Creek 
Foundation for the Arts, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.  Prior to 
turning his full creative attention to composition in 2012, he was a trumpet player with the 
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for 27 years. 

Dr. Hedwig is Professor Emeritus at the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College, and was 
formerly on the faculty of The Juilliard School (NYC).