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Title	Rites (1952)
Article no.	9587002
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Original contemporary music (20th, 21st century)
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Country of publication	Belgium (be)
Publisher *	HAFABRA Music Louis Martinus
Publisher's article no. *	HFB 295Ha
Price	click here
Composer	Absil, Jean
Opus no.	Op.79
Difficulty level	6
Evaluation level of countries	D6 (German highest class)
Duration	15:30
Additional info/contents	Rites is a composition for wind orchestra (symphonic wind orchestra) by Jean Absil. He enriched the original pieces written for harmony orchestras with numerous works. This was also the case for this three-part suite set up in 1952. The parts of the work are: Salutation of the Dawn (Pour saluer l'aurore) : the first part is a musical description of the awakening of nature with, among other things, an ode to the light. From the hazy and undefined themes, a hymn grows on the light that has just broken through, while the whole nature awakens. This "theme of the dawn" swells and increases in intensity, finally to burst with full orchestral force. Speech of the Spirits (Pour conjurer les Esprits) : the second part is characterized by the fact that the evoked spirits arrive and sow panic until the moods finally settle again. Celebration of the Sun (Pour fêter le Soleil) : the third part describes a grandiose tribute to the sunlight during a violent and rhythmic bacchanals, where the starting themes alternate with this fiery dance. It is the festival of light. The bacchantic dance is full of color and rhythm and also full of intensity. The theme of the dawn from the first part is now repeated several times, together with the themes of the dance itself. The latter increases in intensity and decides the work on the thunderous tones of the entire orchestra.

No.	Track title	Duration	Sound sample
1	Pour saluer l'aurore	5:47
2	Pour conjurer les esprits	5:47
3	Pour fêter le soleil	3:51

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Programme notes *: The composition "Rites" for symphonic wind orchestra of the highest level by Jean Absil Jean Absil (1893-1974) was a Belgian composer and music educator, known for his modern and often experimental works. His composition "Rites" for symphonic wind orchestra of the highest level, written in 1952, is an excellent example of his ability to create profound and atmospheric music. This three-part suite is a musical journey through various ritual acts and natural phenomena. Jean Absil was a leading representative of Belgian music in the 20th century. His work "Rites" was written at a time when wind orchestras were gaining increasing importance and establishing themselves as serious ensembles. Absil used the diverse timbres and dynamic possibilities of the wind orchestra to create a suite that is both technically demanding and musically rich. First movement: "Pour saluer l'aurore" (Andante - Quasi lento) The first movement, "Pour saluer l'aurore" (To greet the dawn), begins with a quiet and contemplative Andante that gradually moves to a quasi-slow tempo. This music captures the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of dawn. Absil uses soft woodwind sounds and delicate brass harmonies to musically represent the first rays of the sun and the awakening of nature. The melodies are gentle and flowing, which enhances the calm and sublime mood of this movement. Second movement: "Pour conjurer les esprits" (Andante moderato) In the second movement, "Pour conjurer les esprits" (To conjure the spirits), Absil creates a mysterious and slightly threatening atmosphere. The Andante moderato tempo gives this movement a calm but tense mood. Here, Absil uses dissonant harmonies and unusual instrument combinations to portray the eerie and mysterious sounds of necromancy. The music is characterized by dark woodwind colors, deep brass sounds, and occasional percussive effects that heighten the tension. Third Movement: "Pour fêter le soleil" (Vivo) The third and final movement, "Pour fêter le soleil" (In Celebration of the Sun), is a lively and joyful Vivo. This movement is in stark contrast to the previous movements, exuding energy and joie de vivre. Here, Absil uses bright and radiant timbres, fast tempos, and rhythmic vitality to portray the solemnity and magnitude of sun worship. The music is full of vitality and optimism, with dynamic brass fanfares, lively woodwind passages, and powerful percussion cues that create a festive and triumphant atmosphere. Absil demonstrates his mastery of the use of the wind orchestra and its diverse sonic possibilities in "Rites". He employs various musical techniques and stylistic devices to convey the different moods and scenes of the suite: - Instrumentation: Absil uses the full range of the symphonic wind orchestra, including woodwinds, brass and percussion, to create a rich and diverse sound palette. - Harmonic language: The suite contains both consonant and dissonant harmonies, each supporting the respective mood and atmosphere of each movement. - Rhythmicity: Rhythmic variety and complexity are essential features of the suite, especially in the third movement, where lively and pulsating rhythms dominate. - Dynamics and articulation: Absil uses a wide range of dynamic contrasts and differentiated articulations to fully exploit the expressive possibilities of the orchestra. "Rites" by Jean Absil is a significant work in the repertoire for symphonic wind orchestra and is appreciated for its musical depth and technical brilliance. The suite challenges the musicians both technically and interpretively and offers the audience a rich and varied listening experience. Absil's ability to create atmospheric and emotional music that is simultaneously modern and accessible makes "Rites" an outstanding example of his compositional art. Jean Absil's "Rites" is a remarkable composition that masterfully uses the diverse tonal and expressive possibilities of the symphonic wind orchestra. The three-part suite takes listeners on a musical journey through various ritual acts and natural scenes, from the silent dawn to the mysterious summoning of spirits to the joyous celebration of the sun. With its technical sophistication and musical depth, "Rites" remains a captivating and significant work in the wind orchestra repertoire. Quelle/Source: musicainfo.net (KI) Information: HaFaBra Music Wind Repertory Project Tags: Seasons and times of day

	Format
	Rites (1952) (concert/wind band), full score and parts
	Rites (concert/wind band), full score
	Danse Funambulesque, audio CD
	Les Couleurs Rouges, audio CD
	Rites, audio CD

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