flute and symphonic winds (about 9 minutes)
Silver Fantasy (2012) was commissioned by a consortium of nine flutists, organized by Lisa A. Jelle, for the purpose of encouraging the composition of new music for the flute and wind ensemble. The work captures the fluid technical potentialities of the modern flute and piccolo while sharing the musical responsibilities equally with the woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
The first section of the piece begins with a slow, somber introduction followed by a statement of the theme by the flute soloist. The theme is restated by a sequential trio of instruments, beginning in the trombone, moving to the horn, and concluding in the trumpet. The soloist develops the theme in the following passage, with light interplay between the flute part and the ensemble. Harmonies utilized include the dissonance of the minor second, though scored an octave apart to soften the effect. The first section concludes with a return of the introductory material.
The second section of Silver Fantasy is introduced by the percussion section, with the timpani stating the thematic material. Upper woodwinds answer this initial statement utilizing derivative rhythmic material initially stated within the percussion section. New rhythms and intensity appears in the trumpets and trombones as the section moves toward a thematic transformation by the flute solo. The solo line borrows freely from the accompanimental material leading to a third section. This appears in a militaristic, comical statement by the solo melodic line, now played on the piccolo. The ensemble, not wishing to miss out on the fun, repeats the piccolo statement in a somewhat dissonant manner while the piccolo soloist freely executes pseudo-improvisatory figurations that brings the piece to an "Ives-like" conclusion. [Program note by Barry E. Kopetz]
SILVER FANTASY was commissioned by:
Lisa A. Jelle, DMA (coordinator of the consortium), and Capital University
Francesca Arnone, DMA, and Baylor University
Helen Blackburn, MM, and West Texas A&M University
Emily Butterfield, DMA, and the University of Central Oklahoma
Kimberlee Goodman, DMA, and Otterbein University
Deanna Little, DM, and Middle Tennessee State University
Denise Rotavera-Krain, MM, and The College of Wooster
Alison Brown Sincoff, MM, and Ohio University
Michelle Stanley, DMA, and Colorado State University
Score and parts available for purchase from J.W. Pepper.
Recording available from Amazon or iTunes.