Original suite for brass choir in four contrasting movements: an opening Fanfare, a reflective Meditation, a fiery Intermezzo, and a dramatic Finale. Also available for orchestra.
Brass Ensemble | Grade 4 | 20:00
I. Fanfare (3:00)
II. Meditation (4:30)
III. Intermezzo (3:30)
IV. Finale (9:30)
Performance materials are available on J.W. Pepper:
This piece is dedicated to my composition teachers at Concordia College: Dr. Daniel Breedon and Dr. Steven Makela, and to all my friends in the music department who helped to bring it to life.
This second edition is dedicated to Dr. Peter Haberman, whose advocacy for me and my work has directly led to significant milestones in my musical journey. I can never thank you enough.
About the piece
Tetra is an original suite for brass choir in four contrasting movements: an opening Fanfare, a reflective Meditation, a fiery Intermezzo, and a dramatic Finale. My primary goal when writing it was to showcase the full range of emotion that the brass section is capable of portraying – not only the stereotypical, iconic flourishes and crescendoes, but also the mournful long lines and furtive, agitated staccatoes, and much between these extremes.
Beyond this, I had no programmatic intention, but as I was compiling the suite, another theme emerged: the number four. As the title suggests, this number becomes manifest in many ways throughout the piece: four movements, each in four-four meter, played by an ensemble comprising four quartets of brass instruments, plus a timpanist with four drums. All of these quartets have a certain degree of independence, sometimes being featured in isolation, sometimes in combination with other instruments. For example, the Fanfare deliberately introduces the trumpet quartet, the trombone quartet, and the horn quartet, each having their own turn in the spotlight. The tuba quartet, which plays a supporting role in the Fanfare, gets a proper feature at the start of the Meditation. Despite this early division of labor, the instruments work together as the movements progress, and the overarching theme is the majesty and nobility of the brass choir sound as a whole.
Many thanks are due to Daniel Breedon and Steven Makela, my composition teachers at Concordia College, who mentored me through the process of completing this work. For the inspiration of the music itself, and for any joy that it may bring to its performers or audiences, I give all glory to God.
Tetra was premiered on April 15th, 2012 by the Concordia College Brass Choir, the composer conducting.
Paul Cravens 