Thom Ritter George

FANFARE NO. 7, CN 335 (1988)
 

PROGRAM NOTES

 

Thom Ritter George's FANFARE NO. 7 was composed on a commission from the New Mexico Brass Quintet for their 1988 European Tour. The members of the New Mexico Brass Quintet had specifically asked for a brief work to open their concerts in a special way.

Players are initially heard playing solo entries of the main theme from back stage. After coming on stage and taking their seats, we hear the next entry from back stage as another player starts moving toward the performing area. The order of the entries is Trumpet I, Horn, Tuba, Trumpet II, and finally Trombone.

Since this score was intended to be used as the first work on a concert, the composer chose musical materials in the mood, length, and design of a fanfare. Significantly, this form was combined with contrapuntal techniques which highlight individual instrument entries and the spacial effects desired by the New Mexico Brass Quintet.

A contrasting musical section is played after all players are in place, and the opening theme returns once more at the end of this brilliant fanfare.
 

(TRGcm:1996.11.12)