tuba-euphonium ensembles of Sy Brandon
Textures for Tuba/Euphonium Quartet - (Euphonium, 3 Tubas) The Wikipedia definition of texture in music is “how the tempo, melodic, and harmonic materials are combined in a musical composition, determining the overall quality of the sound in a piece.” One can add to that by including the words monophonic, homophonic, and polyphonic, each creating a different feel to the sound. Further textural variation can be achieved through articulation, dynamics, chromaticism, tessitura, and how the different instruments are combined. All of these are explored in this composition. The composition is in two movements that are connected with a brief pause. Advanced Intermediate
$10.00
Psalm for Tuba/Euphonium Quartet - This composition is a transcription of my Psalm 23 for a cappella choir. It is lyrical within soothing harmony. Intermediate
$8.00
Adages Six Vignettes for Tuba/Euphonium Quartet - I. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. II. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. III. Time flies when you are having fun. IV. Every cloud has a silver lining. V. He who hesitates is lost. VI. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Advanced
$10.00
Emoticons for Tuba-Euphonium Quartet - This three movement composition represents three different emotions. It received Honorable Mention at the 2016 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Conference. Advanced
$15.00
In Remembrance, September 11, 2001 for Tuba/Euphonium Quartet - This work was commissioned by the Euphouria Quartet. The composition reflects the composer's feelings about the tragic events of that fateful day. The first movement, “Fanfares To Fallen Heroes”, is a tribute to the brave firemen, policemen and rescue workers who tirelessly and fearlessly risked and sacrificed their lives in order to save the lives of others. The second movement, “Elegy To The Innocent”, is a tribute to all the innocent victims and their loved ones who have suffered at the hands of the terrorists. The third movement, “Justice”, represents the struggle and resolve of the United States of America and its allies to eliminate terrorism. Battle motives alternate with a heroic theme throughout the movement. The last movement, “Prayer For Peace”, represents a hope that all the people of the world can achieve the tolerance and understanding we need to live in harmony and in a civilized manner. A recording by the Euphouria Quartet is available on an Emeritus Recordings CD entitled Echoes – Music for Tuba and Euphonium Ensembles by Sy Brandon and Mark Scott. Advanced
$15.00
Quartet for Tubas - This one movement work for Tuba/Euphonium Quartet begins with a lyrical andante section that leads into a rhythmic allegro in 3/4. at the end of the allegro, the andante material returns but in a faster tempo. This leads into a short fugue which is followed by a recap of andante material and a short coda of the allegro material. A recording by the University of Arkansas Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble is available on an Emeritus Recordings CD entitled Echoes – Music for Tuba and Euphonium Ensembles by Sy Brandon and Mark Scott. Advanced
$10.00
Suite Francaise Moderne for 4 Euphoniums and 2 Tubas - This composition uses movements that are typically found in the Baroque French Suite but are cast in a 21st century style. The first movement is in the style of a French Overture with a moderate first section with dotted rhythm figures and a contrapuntal second half in a faster tempo. The second movement is a Rigaudon with its lively 2/2 tempo. It provides a nice contrast to the stately first movement with its lightness and more chromatic melodic material. The third movement is a Loure in 3/4 for the most part. The characteristic dotted quarter, eighth, quarter rhythm is present though it is often disguised. This is a very lyrical movement with lush harmony. The last movement is a Gigue with its 6/8 meter, wide intervals and contrapuntal writing. Advanced
$15.00
Suit Suite for Three Euphoniums and Three Tubas - This composition, composed for the Kansas State University Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, is inspired by the suits of a deck of cards and their associated representations. It is in one continuous movement that is divided into four sections. Spades (death) is a funeral march that uses frequent dotted rhythms, outbursts of anger, and a lyrical, somber descending melody. A change of mood that is accomplished by brightening the harmony leads into Hearts (romance). The last measure of this section introduces a dotted rhythm motive that is used throughout the next section, Diamonds (riches). This section is subtitled "riches" instead of "wealth" because "riches" implies money for money's sake rather than the benefits it can buy. Towards the end of this section, a chromatic line begins to insert itself, suggesting the uprising and war (Clubs) that follows. A flutter-tongued chord transitions the listener into Clubs (war) section. This section begins powerfully with repeated chords resembling people shooting at each other. The shooting motif appears frequently throughout. The tide of the battle keeps going back and forth, but nobody actually wins. The piece ends with the sound of death and destruction, therefore starting the cycle of the suits over again. Advanced
$10.00