Radiant Ascent: Brass Ensemble

Details

Program Notes

Radiant Ascent describes the emotions of an individual living in the shadows their whole live and their first witness of the sun’s radiant light. A more detailed picture of this is land covered by a massive mountain, and clouds. While there is enough light to see, there is no true clarity in sight. However, one day, the sun slowly pierces the skyline, giving a beacon on the mountaintop. Eventually, one beam scatters to become a kaleidoscope of colors. Not only was it mesmerizing but gave great clarity to the surrounding mountainside. Every individual, object, and landscape altered its appearance and gained a new perception and meaning. Everyone who witnessed this radiant light marveled at the beauty of an
indescribable force, and the land was forever transformed.

Zachary Friedland’s compositions are very similar to his lively personality. Many of his wind ensemble works are dedicated to individual passing, tragic events, or even catastrophic events occurring in our world. However, each work features the purest qualities of the individuals/locations of these events. ‘Radiant Ascent’ attempts to balance those pure qualities with the powerful suppressed emotions held back from dealing with loss. The style of ‘Radiant Ascent’ is taken directly from Zach’s deep love for wind band literature, with such referencing composers as, Gustav Holst, Frank Ticheli, Omar Thomas, and John Mackey.

There are Two Scores for each version of this Arrangement: 1 for Treble Clef Soloist, and 1 for Bass Clef Soloist
Solo Parts are Included as a Free Download Below

Performance Notes

• - Entering the final Cadenza, the Ensemble can either cut off before the soloist comes in, or the soloist can come in while the ensemble is holding their fermata. It is up to the Director/Soloist.
• - Tempos should be moderately accurate with adjustments considered for the Solo Musicians Rubato
• - Articulations are given to help execute the right style for each section. Follow the directions to help propel the music forward.
• - Dynamics are given to show intended effects. However, performers do not need to stretch their dynamics, in particular in the higher decibels. The orchestration and harmonies create louder sounds for the performers.
• - Ossias are given to help performers execute difficult sections in need be (in this, in the solo part).

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SPECIFIC NOTES

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measure 14: if parts are not fully aligned, this okay. Make sure the downbeat of 16 is aligned correctly.
measure 22: give atleast 7 seconds for the percussion to fade out, and for the audience to reflect.
measure 33 and 50: Keep up the musical momument throughout this section.
measure 45-49: This should truly be a poco accelerando. Going too fast could trip up the soloist.
measure 59-71: This should truly be a poco accelerando. Going too fast could trip up the soloist.
measure 92: The conductor can chose where this is between an attaca, or caesura dividing the sections.
measure 104-105: This fermata must be attaca and link to measure 105 (a true hold)
measure 110: Entering the final cadenza, the ensemble can either cut off before the soloist comes in, or the soloist can come in while the ensemble is holding their fermata. It is up to the Director/Soloist.

Media

• Audio: Radiant Ascent: Brass Ensemble — [MIDI]

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Other Arrangements

• Radiant Ascent: Brass Band — Solo with Brass Band
• Radiant Ascent: Piano Reduction — Solo Trumpet with Piano
• Radiant Ascent: Wind Ensemble — Wind Ensemble

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Title: Radiant Ascent: Brass EnsembleStatus: PublishedInstrumentation: Solo with Brass EnsembleDuration: 7 minutesShort Instrument List: Solo Trumpet or Solo Euphonium with Brass EnsemblePrice: $49.99Features: Featuring Trumpet, EuphoniumYear: 2025Date: 2025/05/25Long Instrument List: 4 Trumpets [1 opt.], 2 Horns, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone [opt.], Tuba, 4 perc. [opt.]Program Notes:
Radiant Ascent is a composition that emotionally depicts an individual's journey from living in the shadows to witnessing the radiant light of the sun. This transformative experience is illustrated through a landscape dominated by mountains and clouds, where the initial light offers only partial clarity. As the sun breaks through, it casts a spectrum of colors that enhances the beauty and meaning of the surroundings, forever changing the perception of the landscape and its inhabitants. The work balances themes of loss with a celebration of beauty, drawing on inspiration from notable composers such as Gustav Holst and Frank Ticheli.

Performance Notes:
- Ensure alignment of parts, especially at key measures such as 14 and 16.
- Allow a reflective pause for percussion at measure 22.
- Maintain the musical momentum throughout measures 33 and 50.
- Apply a careful poco accelerando in measures 45-49 and 59-71 to avoid tripping the soloist.
- Decisions regarding measure 92 should be determined by the conductor.
- The fermata at measures 104-105 must connect seamlessly into measure 105.
- During the final cadenza (measure 110), the ensemble may choose to cut off or hold as the soloist enters, according to the director's discretion.Additional Information:
- There are two scores available for each version of this arrangement: one for Treble Clef Soloist and one for Bass Clef Soloist.
- Solo parts are included as a free download.
- This work is dedicated in memoriam of Zachary Friedland and was commissioned by Click Symphony.
- The total duration of the composition is 7 minutes, making it an ideal choice for concert performance.Purchase Link: Buy Now Here