
GMP 3012: Lewis and Clark Trail (BQ & Percussion)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buczMZsWFxo&t=24s
The majority of the composition is boisterous, upbeat, exciting, and western! Though perhaps overly romanticized, those thrilling impressions are brought to the modern observer in the monuments and tributes all along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Indeed, from the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis to Floyd’s obelisk; from numerous visitors’ centers to historic markers throughout the more than 7000 miles traversed, Lewis and Clark and the others are kept in grateful memory for their inspiring work of opening the gateway to the west.
Many working brass quintets throughout the nation joined a consortium of performances for the fall of 2019—particularly near September 23, as that was the date the expedition ended in Saint Louis, Missouri, where it also began. With the images of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in mind, the compositional process occurred quickly, and a draft of the full-length work was printed for a reading with Offutt Brass one week after it was begun. A final product was to be delivered to the consortium members by the end of April for enough time to bring the work to life in the fall.
Within the music itself are several hidden meanings which, though imperceptible upon listening, are significant nonetheless. It will be noted that there is little rest for the players. For the span of 4’40”, out of nearly 1000 measures of collective music, there is a total of 99 complete measures of rest shared between the performers. Throughout the expedition 33 key personnel participated, three of whom famously ring in the ears of all Americans: Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the well-known Shoshone guide, Sacagawea. To acknowledge the arduous nature of this enormous undertaking, what little rest there is in this composition multiplies the number of explorers with the three most famous names.
Gilded Music Press specializes in brass music and pedagogical materials composed and crafted by Dr. Daniel Thrower. His expertise and experience in the music world are now available in printed or PDF format for the music world's benefit.
For questions, specific requests, or to commission a new work from Dr. Thrower, please contact us via email or phone, below.
"You and your compositions deserve first rate ensembles, they’re that good! It’s an honor to know you and, from time to time, celebrate your wonderful accomplishments."
Dr. Daniel N. Thrower
Owner
"Gilded Music Press" was created specifically to make Dr. Daniel Thrower's high-quality music available. Dr. Thrower has been composing music and writing educational supplements for decades. He describes his music as a "personal musical journal". From his work with military ensembles to faculty and students of all ages, his music and teaching materials are created to edify audiences, professional colleagues, students, and himself. Through "Gilded Music Press" the global music community benefits from his excellent research, experience, and creative output. Many have enjoyed and benefited from his work throughout the world, and you will too once you discover his phenomenal products!