C O N C E R T O
For Euphonium & Symphonic Band
| Premiere |
Premiered by Pat Stuckemyer in 2006 at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green Ohio. |
| Duration |
15'00" |
| Instrumentation |
Euphonium & Piano |
| Publisher |
 |
Program Notes
The Concerto for Euphonium was completed in November 2005 and was commissioned by euphonium performing artist Pat Stuckemeyer. The concerto displays Taylor’s confidence as a composer of brass literature and his mastery of concert band orchestration. The work is an exciting undertaking for the soloist, as the performer is challenged by virtuosic technique and musicianship. The concerto employs captivating technical rhythmic passages and immediately memorable tunes.
The first movement of the work employs lush and rich contemporary tonal harmony. The opening melody is built on a simple melodic and rhythmic motive used throughout the movement to create a dance-like melody. The second theme is slower and gives the soloist a chance for romantic musical expression. The two themes are then expanded and transformed through an exciting development section which leads the listener to a recapitulation of the opening melody. The solo cadenza, although not as technically challenging, requires the upmost maturity of expression and confidence in the extreme ranges of the euphonium. After the brief cadenza Taylor has composed a coda that starts light and haunting, that builds to an exciting climax.
The slower second movement is truly uses haunting 20th century harmony and orchestration. Taylor brings out the nuances of the euphonium with rich, lush texture. The second movement has two themes. The first theme is in a minor mode and as the melodic line rises it leads dramatically to the next statement. The second theme floats above a smooth-waving background texture and is set in a major mode, which contrasts the more melancholy first theme. The emotional climax of the concerto happens in the second movement, as the rich orchestration and lush tone of the euphonium come together in an explosion of musical color. The movement ends fades away as a motive from the second theme is used to wind down from the dramatic climax before.
With Taylor’s love of fast past dramatic works, the third movement of the concerto is a great example of the composers desire to create exhilarating and captivating works. The work opens with a powerful rhythmic statement from the brass and percussion section which sets up the thrilling solo part and interchange between the euphonium and the concert band. Taylor brings back a soaring melodic section, similar to the first movement, just before transitioning into a virtuosic development section. After a short recapitulation of the main theme from the third movement, the coda brings back melodic lines from the first and second movements as it charges forward until the end!
The Sonata for Tuba & Piano is available for purchase from: Just For Brass
For more information about the publisher, please click this link: Potenza Music Publications
Download a Score Sample
Concerto for Euphonium
Listen to Audio Clips
