Rings of Saturn, The (Band Gr. 4)

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in our solar system. Adorned with a dazzling system of icy rings, Saturn is unique among the planets (science.nasa.gov). "The Rings of Saturn" incorporates three main themes – the first bold & powerful, the second lush & lyrical, and the third quick & light.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series:
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:40

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (1)

Piccolo (1)
Flute 1 (4)
Flute 2 (4)
Oboe 1 (1)
Oboe 2 (1)
Bassoon 1 (1)
Bassoon 2 (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 (4)
String Bass (1)

Timpani (1)
Mallets: Glockenspiel, VIbraphone, Marimba (1)
Percussion 1-2: Snare Drum, Bass Drum (2)
Percussion 3-4: Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal (2)
Percussion 5: Triangle (1) Percussion 3: Claves, Floor Tom (1) Glockenspiel (1) Marimba (1) Vibraphone (1) Harp or Keyboard [optional] (1)

Program Notes
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest planet in our solar system. Adorned with a dazzling system of icy rings, Saturn is unique among the planets (science.nasa.gov). This composition incorporates three main themes. The first is a bold statement played by soaring trumpet lines and accompanied by rhythmic winds, horns and low brass. This opening theme captures the epic power of this marvelous planet. The piece transitions to a slow, lyrical section played by clarinets and saxes, then building to a full representation of this melody. This faction mirrors the beauty of Saturn’s gorgeous rings. The piece evolves to a light and fast paced melody that culminates to a recapitulation of the first theme bringing The Rings of Saturn to an epic, bold and powerful conclusion.