Euphonic Blues (for wind ensemble)
composer: Nancy Galbraith (2019)
genre(s): wind ensemblesymphony orchestrabrass band
length: 1 movement, 10:00 minutes
orchestration: pic, 3 fl1, 3 fl2, ob, 3 cl1, 3 cl2, 3 cl3, 2 b-cl, 2 bn;
2 a-sax, 2 t-sax, bar-sax;
2 tpt1, 2 tpt2, 2 tpt3, 4 hn, 3 tbn, b-tbn, euph, tba;
str-bs, harp, pno; timp, 4 perc
publisher: Subito Music Publishing (ASCAP)
60 Depot Street, Verona, NJ 07044
mail@subitomusic.com • 973-857-3440
audio/video:  

wind premiere: 1 June 2019
Chesapeake Bay Wind EnsembleBill Garlette, conductor
Peebles Hall • Christopher Newport University • Newport News, Virginia
program notes:

"Euphonic Blues" was originally composed for symphony orchestra and was premiered by the Carnegie Mellon School of Music for its Centennial Celebration concert in September 2012. In 2019, the Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble commissioned and performed the world premiere of the composer's wind ensemble arrangement for the band's June concert titled AMERICAN SALUTE! In 2013, Altena Brass of the Netherlands commissioned and performed the world premiere of the composer's brass band arrangement.

composer's notes:

My intention for "Euphonic Blues" was to write a predominantly melodic work – using polychords and lush diatonic harmonies – that reflects a somewhat bluesy and nostalgic sound. Much of my music falls under the umbrella of "post-minimalism" as it is replete with rhythmic drive and harmonic textures. My more extended instrumental compositions also include areas with a more melodic character and gentler pulse contrasting the surrounding livelier content. For this piece I wanted to focus more on the melodic, nostalgic side. My music also exhibits a distinctively American sound, and this naturally led to the bluesy character of some the music.

source: nancygalbraith.com