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Under Western Skies  

for 2 trumpets and piano (2014)

for 2 trumpets and Concert Band (2016)

When New Mexico trumpeter John Marchinado contacted me about writing a duo trumpet/piano piece, my immediate thought was to do something with a western flavor.  Before, and often during, my writing of this piece I poured over photographs of New Mexico’s high desert areas, many that really embody the classic notion we have of “the west” (see below).  The first movement, Sundown, attempts to accompany a classic western sunset.  The second movement, Sunup-High Noon, opens with muted trumpets heralding the morning light.  Before long we’re off on the days adventure.  The urgency of the mornings ride eventually slows as we ride into a ghost town and hear 12 ominous bell tolls signaling High Noon.  The trumpets begin a duel in what is a tip of the hat to western master Ennio Morricone.  After reaching it’s climax we’re off again to the rousing conclusion.

 

A big thanks to John and Brynn Marchinado for commissioning this work in it's original form for 2 trumpets and piano and to Richard Stoelzel for commissioning the adaptation for 2 trumpets and wind ensemble.

 

Duration: 10 - 11'

II. Sunup - High Noon

2 Trumpets and Piano

$27

Print Edition (US Only)
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Under Western Skies I. Sundown -
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Under Western Skies II. Sunup-High Noon -
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from A Winter's Night
Anne McNamara and Chris Gekker - trumpets
Jessica McKee - piano

I. Sundown

I. Sundown

II. Sunup - High Noon

2 Trumpets and Concert Band

$140

PDF Download

Under Western Skies I. Sundown -
00:0000:00
Under Western Skies II. Sunup - High noon -
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from Under Western Skies
Richard Stoelzel, Rex Richardson - tpt's
Grand Valley State Wind Ensemble

"Under Western Skies is a super piece for two excellent trumpet musicians to undertake. I enjoyed the premiere performance at ITG so much! It is wonderful to get a piece that requires great expression of the players but does not overdo the physical trumpet demands. Bravo Kevin!"

—  Vincent DiMartino

Shiprock, NM • www.imgur.com

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