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Title	Overture for an Imaginary Play
Article no.	9548350
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Overture (original composition)
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Country of publication	Netherlands (nl)
Publisher *	Molenaar Edition
Publisher's article no. *	MOL 011918080
Series title	Original Compositions Series
Year of publication	1987
Price	click here
Composer	Andriessen, Jurriaan
Difficulty level	4
Evaluation level of countries	C3 (Swiss 2nd class); D5 (German highest level)
Duration	11:42
Additional info/contents	"Overture for an Imaginary Play" by Juriaan Andriessen is an outstanding example of the composer's ability to convey narrative and dramatic elements in a purely musical form. The skillful use of the different tempos and expressions, the complex harmony and the rich instrumentation make this work a fascinating and gripping composition for symphonic wind orchestra. Andriessen's work impressively shows how music can tell a lively and moving story without words. Prt PicFlt Flt Ob Fag EsClr Clr 1,2,3 BClr ASax TSax BSax Cnt 1,2,3 Trp 1,2,3 Hrn in F+Eb 1,2,3,4 Trb in C 1,2,3 (BC) Trb in Bb 1,2,3 (BC+TC) Brt in C (BC) Brt in Bb (BC+TC) Euph in C (BC) Euph in Bb (BC+TC) EsTub (BC+TC) BTub (BC+TC) Tub in C 1,2 (BC) Perc 1,2 Tmp
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Programme notes *: "Overture for an Imaginary Play" by Juriaan Andriessen is a fascinating composition for symphonic wind orchestra that musically depicts an imaginary theatrical action. The structure of the composition consists of a sequence of sections with different tempos and expressions that reflect the dramatic development of a hypothetical piece. This analysis will shed light on the formal and musical elements of the composition to provide a deeper understanding of the creative and technical means Andriessen employs in this work. The first section, Lento, espressivo, opens the composition with a slow, expressive theme. Here Andriessen introduces a warm and lyrical melody, carried by low woodwinds and gentle brass. This passage serves as a kind of musical overture, preparing listeners for the drama to come. Harmonically, this section is rich and dense, with many chromatic turns and unexpected modulations that create a mysterious and emotional atmosphere. The first Allegro section brings a dramatic contrast to the slow and lyrical opening section. Here, a lively and rhythmically accentuated theme dominates, characterized by rapid runs and staccato-like phrases. Andriessen uses the full range of the wind orchestra to create a dense and energetic texture. Dynamic contrasts and unexpected rhythmic accents add to the tension and vitality of this section. The second Lento espressivo section returns to the lyrical and emotional atmosphere of the opening section, but with new thematic variations and harmonic developments. The repetition of this slow tempo creates a formal symmetry within the composition and allows for a deepening of the expressive content. Soloistic passages for woodwind and a gentle accompaniment by the rest of the orchestra reinforce the intimate and reflective character of this section. The second Allegro section again brings back energetic and rhythmically accentuated music. Unlike the first Allegro, however, this section is thematically more developed and features more complex orchestral textures and interactions between the instrument groups. Here Andriessen shows his skill in polyphony and contrapuntal techniques, skillfully weaving together different melodic lines. The final section, Allegro subito, is the climax of the composition. Suddenly and unexpectedly, this section brings a sense of urgency and intensity. The increase in tempo and ongoing rhythmic movement lead to a gripping finale. Harmonically and melodically, Andriessen draws on motifs from the previous sections, giving the work a coherent structure and completing the thematic development. Andriessen makes full use of the possibilities of the symphonic wind orchestra. The instrumentation is rich and varied, with particular attention to the combination of woodwinds and brass, as well as percussion. The composer skillfully uses solo passages to emphasize the sonic possibilities of each instrument and varies the orchestration to create different moods and timbres. The harmonic language in "Overture for an Imaginary Play" is complex and chromatic, resulting in a rich and often surprising soundscape. Melodically, Andriessen shows a preference for lyrical, expressive lines, often supported by unexpected turns and modulations. These melodic and harmonic elements contribute significantly to the dramatic impact of the composition. Quelle/Source: musicainfo.net (KI)

	Format
	Overture for an Imaginary Play (concert/wind band), full score and parts
	Overture for an Imaginary Play (concert/wind band), full score
	Masterpieces for Band #14: The Water Beggars, audio CD

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