Harmonizer (orchestra)

A powerfully exciting composition that uses the full force of the modern symphony orchestra. Jazz, Funk, Avant-garde Styles, animated rhythms, and a colorful timbral pallet dominate the musical language of this piece, typical of McCarthy’s unique style of music.

Genre: Full Orchestra | # of Players: Standard
Level: Difficult | Duration: 9:45

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1, 2
Oboe 1, 2
English Horn
B-flat Clarinet 1, 2
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon 1, 2

F Horn 1, 2
F Horn 3, 4
B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2, 3
Trombone 1, 2
Trombone 3 (Bass)
Tuba

Timpani (5)
Percussion 1 (6 Tom-toms, Xylophone, Temple Blocks, Vibraslap, Slapstick, Maracas, Whistle)
Percussion 2 (Snare Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Medium Tam-tam, Bass Drum, Kick Drum, Maracas, Small & Medium Woodblocks, Claves, Agogo Bells,Castanets, Slapstick, Prayer Bowl)
Percussion 3 (Tam-tam, Bass Drum, Woodblock, Snare Drum, Medium & Large Woodblocks, Suspended Cymbal, Finger Cymbals, Sleigh Bells, Slapstick, Water Gong, Bamboo Tree, Claves, Maracas, Bongos, Rainstick, Triangle)

Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Violoncello
Contrabass

Program Notes
The first incarnation of Harmonizer was written for electric violin and computer-generated synthesizers. Three recordings were made of the electronic version, the most recent for Capstone Records and the Society of Composers, Inc. Upon hearing the electronic version of Harmonizer, composer Samuel Adler suggested to McCarthy that he re-score it for a full symphony orchestra. The result is a powerfully exciting composition that uses the full force of the modern symphony orchestra. The title comes from the composer's eclectic use of harmonies. Jazz, Funk, Avant-garde Styles, animated rhythms, and a colorful timbral pallet dominate the musical language of this piece, typical of McCarthy's unique style of music.
-DWM