Rituals

A mysterious opening punctuated by the timpani and horn lead to a fortissimo climax that will have you on the edge of your seat. Full of brass and percussion, this exciting piece belongs on your next concert.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 5 | Duration: 7:30

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon 1/2
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
Horn 1/2
Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2/3
Euphonium
Tuba

Piano

Timpani (whip)
Percussion 1 (vibraphone, marimba)
Percussion 2 (suspended cymbal, Chinese cymbal, hi-hat)
Percussion 3 (triangle, wind chimes, snare drum, wooden wind chimes)
Percussion 4 (bass drum, concert toms)
Percussion 5 (tam-tam, woodblocks)

Program Notes
Rituals begins mysteriously with the principal horn stating the theme in the key of D minor. The opening section builds to a fortissimo climax, leading to a fast section that is very violent in character. Fragments of the theme are tossed about the ensemble, as the music becomes increasingly agitated. A slower middle section features solos from the oboe, flute, clarinet and trumpet. The fast tempo returns and drives the movement to its conclusion. Rituals is the first movement of the Symphony for Winds and Percussion, composed in 1997.