Description
Movements
I. Trail Ridge Road
II. Lake Crescent
III. South Rim
Program Note
The title, Three Places in the West, is derived from Charles Ives’ Three Places in New England, and the work is based on the beautiful, awe-inspiring sites in three western national parks I have had the fortune to visit. Closest to home, Trail Ridge Road is found in Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado), and provides spectacular views, reaching a peak of 12,183 feet in elevation. A drive on this road allows visitors to experience vastly different ecological zones from below the treeline up to the alpine tundra. Weather changes quickly with the elevation, and for much of the year Trail Ridge Road experiences arctic-like conditions. The sweeping views and harsh winter weather inspired the first movement. Next, Lake Crescent is a large, perfectly blue lake in Olympic National Park (Washington). Surrounded by mountains covered in evergreens, the lake is serene and calm, and the rich color of the water and trees adds to the peaceful, contemplative experience had by visitors. Finally, the south rim is the most popular place to visit in Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). The views are breathtaking from the rim, while hiking into the Canyon provides visitors with an up-close view of the vibrant color of the rocks, vegetation, and even wildlife. In composing South Rim, I imagined the sun rising over the Canyon, zooming in to watch the activity of the animals that inhabit it, and pulling back once more for a view of the whole Canyon. Three Places in the West attempts to depict a few of the most remarkable natural landscapes of the western United States.
Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1, 2, 3
Oboe
Clarinet in B♭ 1, 2, 3
Bass Clarinet in B♭
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone 1, 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in B♭ 1, 2, 3
Horn in F 1, 2
Trombone
Baritone T. C.
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion 1 (marimba, vibraphone, triangle, bass drum)
Percussion 2 (bass drum, tambourine, triangle, chimes)
