Radiant Ascent | for Solo Instrument and Brass Ensemble
for Solo Instrument and Brass Ensemble
4 Tpts .(opt. flg. for tpt 4), 2 hns., 2 Tbs, Euph, Tba. + 2 Perc. (Opt.)
The soloist can either be Flugelhorn/Trumpet or Euphonium from this ensemble.dur. ca. 6.5min
Radiant Ascent describes the emotions of an individual living in the shadows their whole lives, first witnessing the sun’s radiant light. A more detailed picture of this is given as a village that is covered by a massive mountain. While there is enough light to work and see, there is no true clarity in sight for those in the village. However, one day, the sun slowly pierces the skyline, giving a beacon on the mountaintop. This signal gains the attention of the village. Eventually, one beam scatters to become a kaleidoscope of colors. The light’s overwhelming power was incomprehensible to those below. 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 their lives were forever altered.
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.
Available for Purchase
November 2022
Piano Reduction in Development, as well as Wind Ensemble Version