Requiem for a Digital Age (2020)

Grade 5

For the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble, Dr. Gillian MacKay, Conductor

Premiered virtually on January 25th, 2021 by the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble

Instrumentation (Wind Orchestra optionally performing virtually)

Flutes 1 2, Oboes 1 2, Bassoons 1 2, Clarinets 1 2 3, Alto Saxophones 1 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

Trumpets 1 2 3, Horns 1 2 3 4, Trombones 1 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba (div.),

Glockenspiel, Pre-recorded Electronic Tracks

Program Notes:

“I wrote "Requiem for a Digital Age" as an undergraduate composer-in residence with the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble in autumn of 2020. As COVID-19 had made large ensemble rehearsals impossible to safely coordinate, our challenge was to find a way to engage the entire ensemble in collaborative music making—in real time, if possible. Early experiments with multiple players performing over video conferencing platforms proved futile; however, the software could be used to coordinate solo cues and backing track audio, with players recording themselves separately alongside the conference call.

“Requiem for a Digital Age” makes use of both cadenza-like call and response sections, as well as slow, slightly out-of-sync chords set against pre-recorded electronics. With a year as remarkably turbulent and tumultuous as 2020, I wanted to write something to acknowledge our unique position in history. I can personally attest to the now almost ubiquitous experience of logging on to a conference call full of dozens of muted, smiling faces, and the resultant jarring loss of natural ebb and flow of conversation. At the climax of the piece, everyone is artificially muted as the solo clarinet is left hanging—mirroring this now common experience. Humanity has suffered extreme grief and loss this year, and a requiem is only fitting; however, technology has allowed us to continue communicating, innovating, and heading towards a better future. I am confident that we will emerge with a newfound appreciation for everything life has to offer.”

Avalanche (2020)

Grade 6

For the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble, Gillian MacKay, Director

Presented on February 12th, 2020 by the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble

10.5 minutes

Instrumentation

Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn*, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, Clarinet in Eb, 3 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet in Bb, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

3 Trumpets in Bb, 4 Horns, 2 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba (div.)

Double Bass, Piano, Harp

Percussion 1 (Timpani, Triangle), Percussion 2 (Glockenspiel, Marimba), Percussion 3 (Bass Drum), Percussion 4 (Suspended Cymbal [Smaller], Wind Chimes, Clash Cymbals), Percussion 5 (Suspended Cymbal [Larger], Tam-tam, Chimes)

*Although a third player is preferred, the prominent English horn solo

is cued into the second oboe part if only two players are available

Cathedral (2019)

Grade 3

For Mark Lietz

Presented on April 2nd, 2019 by the University of Toronto Wind Symphony

Premiering in 2019 by the Strathcona Christian Academy 8-9 Concert Band

5.5 minutes

Instrumentation

Flutes 1 2, Oboe, Bassoon, Bb Clarinets 1 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophones 1 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpets 1 2, F Horns 1 2, Trombones 1 2, Euphonium, Tuba

Timpani, 2 Percussionists (Crash Cymbal, Triangle, Bass Drum, Marimba), Glockenspiel & Chimes

Program Notes

“Cathedral, inspired by the grand and regal buildings of the same name, is a dark and lyrical piece for band. Despite the relative simplicity of the parts, lush harmonies inspired by Brahms, Schumann, and other Romantic composers permeate the work. Though not typically heard in grade 3 band music, I believe these harmonic ideas best represent the imposing elegance and sanctity of cathedrals.”

- Michael Nunes