Aurora Borealis (Band Gr. 4)

The glittering Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, as they are better known, are depicted in a lushly stated main theme with the full ensemble. It begins in a 4/4 meter and then, like the ever-changing lights themselves, transforms into 7/8 giving the opening an exciting forward motion, led by trumpets and accompanied by woodwind and low brass ostinati. The composition continues with a romantic, lyrical section which depicts the beauty and mystery of the lights. The piece culminates with an exciting recapitulation of the main theme, concluding with riveting brass fanfares.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series:
Level: 4 | Duration: 6:00

Instrumentation
Piccolo (1)
Flute 1 (4)
Flute 2 (4)
Oboe 1 (1)
Oboe 2 / English Horn (1)
Bassoon 1 (1)
Bassoon 2 (1)
E-flat Clarinet (1)
B-flat Clarinet 1 (4)
B-flat Clarinet 2 (4)
B-flat Clarinet 3 (4)
Bass Clarinet (2)
Alto Saxophone 1 (2)
Alto Saxophone 2 (2)
Tenor Saxophone (2)
Baritone Saxophone (1)

B-flat Trumpet 1 (3)
B-flat Trumpet 2 (3)
B-flat Trumpet 3 (3)
F Horn 1-2 (2)
F Horn 3-4 (2)
Trombone 1 (2)
Trombone 2 (2)
Trombone 3 (1)
Euphonium (2)
B-flat Baritone T.C. (2)
Tuba 1-2 (2)
String Bass (1)

Timpani (4 drums)
Mallets: Glockenspiel, Xylophone
Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 3: Wind Chimes, Shakers, Triangle

Program Notes
The glittering Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, as they are better known, are depicted in a lushly stated main theme with the full ensemble. It begins in a 4/4 meter and then, like the ever-changing lights themselves, transforms into 7/8 giving the opening an exciting forward motion, led by trumpets and accompanied by woodwind and low brass ostinati. The composition continues with a romantic, lyrical section which depicts the beauty and mystery of the lights. The piece culminates with an exciting recapitulation of the main theme, concluding with riveting brass fanfares.