Spitfire II

Spitfire II is a tour-de-force work for solo euphonium and percussion ensemble that takes your breath away from the first flourish of 16th notes and doesn't let go until the final note. Caution: Not for the feint of heart.

Genre: Solo Euphonium with Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 8 + solo
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 7:15

Instrumentation
Solo Euphonium
Bells/Crotales (2 octaves)
Chimes
Vibraphone
Marimba 1 (4-octave)
Marimba 2 (5-octave)
Percussion 1 (4 timpani, sizzle cymbal, triangle, mark tree)
Percussion 2 (snare drum, 4 concert toms, 4 log drum pitches, ride cymbal, suspended cymbal)
Percussion 3 (kick bass drum, concert bass drum, tam-tam)
*Percussion 4 (2 small one shot shakers, claves, suspended cymbal)

*Percussion 4 is optional

Program Notes
Spitfire was inspired by the British fighter planes of the same name used by the Royal Air Force and several other countries during World War II. Designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire was one of the fastest planes in service during the war. The quick moto perpetuo nature of the composition was an attempt to capture the speed and excitement of this historic plane. The word spitfire is also used to describe a quick-tempered or highly excitable person, which is also appropriate.

Originally composed as a duet for euphonium and marimba/vibraphone, the piece was reimagined for solo euphonium and percussion octet and retitled Spitfire II. The work received its premiere on October 28, 2013 by Brian Meixner and the High Point University Percussion Ensemble, conducted by the composer.