Three Moods for Euphonium

Three Moods for Euphonium is a solo work in three movements for euphonium and piano. Each movement explores a different mood and emotion, each contrasting heavily against the last. The first, “Joy,” is a bright and lyrical melody set in a variety of time signatures. The lilting melody progresses through a variety of feelings, sometimes moving into an accompanying role while the piano takes the melody. The movement concludes with a euphonium cadenza, followed by a lightning finale.

 

“Despair” depicts a relentless stasis, wherein the piano persistently plays the same rhythm over and over again, steadily growing in intensity. Overtop, the euphonium mourns in a through-composed array of thoughts, getting more agitated and distraught as the piece progresses, all to slowly die away to nothing by the end.

 

Despite the weight of the previous movement, the last movement, “Panic,” is not based on an intense panic, but rather, a more inconsequential one. The image I had in mind when composing this was as if your alarm didn’t go off and you were running late. Envision a chaotic and yet playful frenzy, one that you’d laugh about later.

 

Each movement may be performed on its own as a standalone piece, but when playing all three movements, they should be played in their specified order. My heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Adam Frey, without whom, this piece would not exist. I hope you enjoy exploring these moods and emotions as much as I have while composing this!

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The piece is in the steps of getting recorded, so check back in the future for more information!