Five-minute concert work that features the woodwind section. An initial clarinet and bassoon duet foreshadows the passionate main theme in the upper strings, accompanied by castanets and habanera bass line. An oboe solo begins the more tender second theme, soon swelling into the full orchestra. The main theme repeats in a more dramatic statement, evoking a sweeping invitation to adventure beyond the horizon. The second theme follows again, and the solo clarinet quietly closes the piece much as it began. Also available for woodwinds.
Orchestra | Grade 3 | 5:00
Performance materials available through:
A sound file is also available for purchase on Bandcamp.
About the piece
I originally wrote this piece in 2010 for the Hutchinson High School Woodwind Ensemble, with Steve Pasche conducting. About ten years later, I decided the music deserved an expansion to full orchestra, which I released in early 2022. It’s very much a woodwind feature, although the strings are fully integrated for this arrangement and add tremendous beauty and depth. The first half of the song is in the more playful style of a dance, but then transitions to a calmer, more lyrical ending. I hope when you hear this piece, you can picture the sun setting over the ocean as the last gleams of sunlight fade over the horizon.
Into the Sunset is a companion piece to Into the Sunrise, which features the brass section.
Paul Cravens 