Instrumentalist magazine reviews
In a Tranquil Little PlaceComposed by Dennis O. Eveland
This beautiful commissioned work was inspired by the scenic drive during a trip as the composer traveled through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Requiring expressive playing throughout, the piece includes lyrical melodic lines, lush harmonic material, effective contrasts of texture and dynamics, a dramatic key change, and a quiet conclusion. Ideal for demonstrating an ensemble’s musicianship, this attractive piece is appropriate for concert or festival programming and would also be appropriate for performance at memorial events. (TRN, 3:40, $60) M.H.
FanfaronadeComposed by Dennis O. Eveland
This a celebrative concert opener that is dedicated to the composer’s friend and teacher, Dennis Johnson, currently Director of Bands and Orchestras at Murray State University (Kentucky). Presented in one tempo throughout, the quick-paced work begins in Eb major. Following a brief introduction, the primary thematic material is introduced by the woodwinds with low brass accompaniment. Secondary melodic material leads to a key change, a repetition of the original theme in the new key, and a climactic and satisfying coda that ends in Bb major. The elaborate percussion instrumentation is scored for a minimum of ten players, including three mallet specialists covering glockenspiel, xylophone, and chimes. This inviting selection plays at the more difficult end of the grade level. ($70, TRN, 2:35) J.T.
This a celebrative concert opener that is dedicated to the composer’s friend and teacher, Dennis Johnson, currently Director of Bands and Orchestras at Murray State University (Kentucky). Presented in one tempo throughout, the quick-paced work begins in Eb major. Following a brief introduction, the primary thematic material is introduced by the woodwinds with low brass accompaniment. Secondary melodic material leads to a key change, a repetition of the original theme in the new key, and a climactic and satisfying coda that ends in Bb major. The elaborate percussion instrumentation is scored for a minimum of ten players, including three mallet specialists covering glockenspiel, xylophone, and chimes. This inviting selection plays at the more difficult end of the grade level. ($70, TRN, 2:35) J.T.
Four Short Festive DancesComposed by Dennis Eveland
The work highlights four contrasting dance styles from around the world. The first, entitled Galliard, is a quick Renaissance style dance in 4/4 meter. The second dance is a Waltz that is taken in one beat per measure. The melody is first played by solo flute. Beginning with a percussion section ostinato, the third dance is a Brazilian Samba in 4/4 meter. The collection ends with an American style Hoe-down in 2/4 meter. The integral percussion scoring requires a minimum of seven players including timpani (4) and two mallet players covering glockenspiel and xylophone. Additional equipment includes a set drum and assorted Latin percussion. Ideally suited to second and third year players, the rehearsal challenges will center on the rhythmic and stylistic details. ($50, 3:00, TRN Music Publishers) J.T.
The work highlights four contrasting dance styles from around the world. The first, entitled Galliard, is a quick Renaissance style dance in 4/4 meter. The second dance is a Waltz that is taken in one beat per measure. The melody is first played by solo flute. Beginning with a percussion section ostinato, the third dance is a Brazilian Samba in 4/4 meter. The collection ends with an American style Hoe-down in 2/4 meter. The integral percussion scoring requires a minimum of seven players including timpani (4) and two mallet players covering glockenspiel and xylophone. Additional equipment includes a set drum and assorted Latin percussion. Ideally suited to second and third year players, the rehearsal challenges will center on the rhythmic and stylistic details. ($50, 3:00, TRN Music Publishers) J.T.
A Day in the Country
Composed by Dennis O. Eveland
Inspired by an Impressionist painting of the same title, the clarinets introduce a merry little melody that is later played by the entire upper woodwind section with reinforcement from the xylophone. The brass introduce a second theme in a minor mode with simple syncopation; the pointed rhythmic style makes the scoring sound transparent. The final idea is loosely based on the pentatonic scale. Students should be able to maintain clean articulation and steady rhythms when performing this work.
($55, 4:30,TRN) C.R.G.
Inspired by an Impressionist painting of the same title, the clarinets introduce a merry little melody that is later played by the entire upper woodwind section with reinforcement from the xylophone. The brass introduce a second theme in a minor mode with simple syncopation; the pointed rhythmic style makes the scoring sound transparent. The final idea is loosely based on the pentatonic scale. Students should be able to maintain clean articulation and steady rhythms when performing this work.
($55, 4:30,TRN) C.R.G.
Arabian Dance
Composed by Dennis Eveland.
Similiar to "Bacchanale" from Samson and Delilah by SAint Saens, this overture opens with a chromatic motif accompanied by a syncopated ostinato in the low brass and woodwinds. The middle section features the alto saxophone in a 3/4 andante. Percussion scoring and a flute solo are important features, and there are several opportunities to work on articulation and dynamic contrast. ($55, 5:13, TRN) B.P.
Pacific MarchComposed by Dennis Eveland
This wonderful march was written in tribute to the victims of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. It is on the upper end of grade two or the lower end of grade three in difficulty. The percussion parts, scored for snare, bass, cymbals, and bells, are more interesting than those usually found at this grade level. The first theme is scored for clarinet, tenor saxophone, and euphonium, which adds a delightfully warm tone color. After an eight-measure percussion soli, the second theme enters. Here, the low brass and clarinets play a contrasting theme basically made up of half notes, carefully marked to provide a pleasing rise and fall in the dynamic level. After this section a third theme enters, followed by a recap of the opening theme. Articulations and dynamics are clearly marked throughout. This is an interesting, fun march that I strongly recommend. ($50, 2:08, TRN) T.B.
G Force: The Ultimate Roller Coaster RideComposed by Dennis Eveland
Filled with energy (4/4, quarter =156-162) and musical highs and lows, this vibrant composition features interesting lines, rhythmic variety, and driving percussion writing. Precise execution of slurred triplets and syncopated rhythms, consistent articulation of staccato notes throughout, and good blend during f and ff passages are required for a memorable performance of this exciting piece. ($80, 3:15, TRN) M.H.