La Tornade for Mixed Quintet (2006)

PROGRAM NOTE:
La Tornade, which translates as The Tornado, features an eclectic orchestration of trumpet, horn in F, trombone, chimes, maracas and
tympani. This programmatic work describes the sequence of a cyclone, from its birth to its passing; the imminent approach of a
distant storm, its violent nature as it nears, climax as the storm rages overhead, and dead calm in the eye of the funnel are all
interpreted and represented using various textural, motivic (strict pitch sets- 0146 and 0157) and dynamic devices. The piece recedes
as the storm does, moving from the relative silence of the eye, once again to the extreme violence of the storm, finally fading off into
the distance as it dissipates, many miles away. The soft and peaceful chimes herald the end of the storm; a shift in dynamics at the end
spoils the tranquil setting, in a harbinger of perhaps yet another violent episode on the horizon.

INSTRUMENTATION:
Trumpet in C
Horn in F
Tenor Trombone/Bass Trombone
Percussion: Chimes, Maracas,
Timpani

DURATION: ca. 7'

PERFORMANCES:

• Premiered on December 14th, 2006 at the Stony Brook University Composer’s Concert series
• Was read by American Brass Quintet