Scherzo d'Espoir (6-Part Flex Band Gr. 5)

Written specifically for 6-part adaptable wind band, Scherzo d'Espoir ("Scherzo of Hope") is intended to invoke feelings of optimism during a time of such bad news and uncertainty. While rhythmically and harmonically engaging from beginning to end, it is Gillingham's soaring, memorable melodies that will tug at the heartstrings.

Genre: 6-Part Flex Band | # of Players: 6+
Series: The SpectraFlex Series
Level: 5 | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Transposed Score (showing all transposed parts)
Condensed Score (only "C" parts)

Adaptable Parts
(2 copies of each of all parts for each listed instrument)

Part 1: Piccolo (optional), Flute, B-flat Clarinet

Part 2: Flute, Oboe, B-flat Clarinet, E-flat Alto Saxophone

Part 3: B-flat Clarinet, E-flat Alto Saxophone, B-flat Trumpet, F Horn

Part 4: B-flat Clarinet, E-flat Alto Saxophone, B-flat Trumpet, F Horn

Part 5: B-flat Tenor Saxophone, F Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon

Part 6: B-flat Bass Clarinet, E-flat Baritone Saxophone, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon, Tuba, Double Bass

Program Notes
Scherzo D'Espoir was written in the middle of the COVID-19 epidemic and was written exclusively for the "adaptable band" medium. As the name implies, the work is intended to invoke feelings of hope and optimism in a time of such bad news and uncertainty. Written in the traditional scherzo three part ABA format with the return of A diverting from the formal structure by adding a development section, and a partial return of the trio section. Using 6/8 and 6/4 meter, the work employs sequialtera rhythmic counterpoint as well as metrical hemiola. The harmonic vocabulary is basically tonal with a bit of pandiatonicism in the development section of the return. It is hoped that the work will be technically challenging to the players while being very accessible to the audience.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The SpectraFlex Series for adaptable wind band offers flexibility with pieces across all grade levels, featuring traditional high-to-low scoring with 5 or 6 parts and optional percussion. Each part is transposed and playable by a multitude of wind or keyboard percussion instruments while maintaining the spectrum of sound we have grown to love about the wind band.