Search results for: 'tuba-euphonium quartet'

with Piano

ZIGGY is based on a favorite cartoon character of the past. He is funny, slightly clumsy, romantic, very
patriotic, and has a gentle loving spirit. His wonderful attributes are meant to be reflected in the music.
SUNSET is a Texas sunset where there is quiet serenity at the end of the day with nature sounds, and
then a vast “rosy glow” extending over the landscape. It spreads across the horizon and then fades into the
night.

SCHERZO ON A PUN comes from my acquaintance with three punsters--- two in my family and a
fellow musician. All of them are highly skilled in multiple areas, and when they offer a pun, they each wait
to see how long it takes for me to “get it.” Then there is laughter and great admiration on my part of their
cleverness and high intelligence.

unaccompanied

UIL Prescribed Music List: 304-1-32867

unaccompanied

UIL Prescribed Music List: 304-1-32866

with Piano

UIL Prescribed Music List: 304-1-32875

Solo Euphonium with Tuba Quartet (EETT) and Drums

Dracula for solo euphonium, tuba-euphonium quartet and drums was
commissioned by Benedict Kirby and the University of Montana for the 2014 Northern
Rockies Tuba Euphonium Festival. Demondrae Thurman was the guest artist of the
festival. So Dr. Kirby asked me to write a five-minute piece for the end of Demondrae’s
recital. I started with the idea that this would be a sort of finale or encore type of piece. I
wanted it to be a high energy closer. Early on, I envisioned something like The Edgar
Winter Group’s 1972 rock classic, Frankenstein. I did not do any sort of technical
analysis of Frankenstein, though, nor did I quote Frankenstein in any way. Rather, I tried
to capture the general character of Frankenstein. So this piece is like Frankenstein, but it
is not Frankenstein. That’s why it is DRACULA!

Dracula is in my usual Third-Stream style. Jazz, rock, hip-hop and many kinds
of classical styles come together in Dracula, but this particular composition draws most
heavily on the style of rock music. It contains some improvisation, but the improvisation
is largely limited to the drum part. The original composition did not include any
improvisation in the solo euphonium part, but Demondrae suggested that I add one. So I
added an optional improvised solo section for this edition. I utilized a few new techniques
in this piece, but the most notable new technique is an indication that calls for the
euphonium soloist to hype the audience. I envision the euphonium soloist playing the
role of the lead singer or front man for a heavy metal band of brass and drums. As the
front man, the solo euphonium soloist’s role involves more than just playing music. It
also involves making sure that everyone has a good time. Demondrae lit up the stage up
with his awesome dance moves at the premiere! I encourage other performers to wear
vampire costumes or rock star outfits and have fun with the theatrical aspect of this piece.

Curtis Peacock 

with Piano;

Commissioned by the International Tuba-Euphonium Association, 2015.