Homepage > Compositions > Music Datasheet
"Suspension and Bridge"
| GENERAL INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Title | Suspension and Bridge |
| Composer | F.G.J. Absil |
| Instrum. | Concert Band |
| Date | 2000 |
| Duration | 5'30 |
| Style | Ballad |
| Key | Bb |
| Meter | 4/4 |
| Measures | 89 |
| Tempo | 54 - 96 - 50 BPM |
| Grade | 4 |
FULL INSTRUMENTATION
- Flute 1-2, Oboe 1-2, Bassoon 1-2, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1-2-3, Bass Clarinet;
- Alto Saxophone 1-2, Tenor Saxophone 1-2, Baritone Saxophone;
- French Horn 1-2-3-4, Trumpet 1-2-3, Trombone 1-2-3-4, Baritone 1-2-3, Tuba;
- Guitar, Keyboard, Double Bass, Drums;
- Timpani, Percussion (1 player: suspeded cymbal, triangle), Mallets (vibraphone).
NOTES FOR THE PERFORMER
The title Suspension and Bridge has a double meaning. On the one hand the form of this ballad reminds us of a suspension bridge: three main sections in 4/4, representing the traffic lanes and starting on [A], [F] and [I], are supported by two towers in 3/4, from [D] and [H].
On the other hand the melody has been harmonised using many suspensions and appoggiaturas, also to be found in the introduction and the middle sections. The main theme is in ternary form (a-b-a'), each statement differently harmonised (using lots of chromatism) and requires a broad and rubato performance. In contrast we have the lighter bridge sections. The final statement of the main theme, with a sidestep to the subdominant, contains a majestic orchestral tutti. In summary: a piece with limited technical complexity and a challenging tone colour spectrum.