fl, cl, bass cl, sop sax, alto sax, hn, trpt, trbn, tba, vib, chimes, pno

10:00

Torn Canvases is inspired by the abstract expressionist painting style of Jackson Pollock. The piece imagines a video camera panning across a large canvas made up of layers of fragmented paint drippings and splotches. The ensemble is divided into three groups on stage, each representing musical "layers" of chiming chords and fragmented jazz riffs, which are piled on one another, creating rhythmically charged collages of sound. The climax of the work comes when the entire ensemble plays together, evoking the sound of a giant bell, transforming into the sound of a driving jazz ensemble.

Commissioned by the following schools of the Big East Band Directors Association:
DePaul University
Georgetown University
Marquette University
Providence University
Rutgers University
St. Johns University
Seton Hall University
Syracuse University
University of Cincinnati
University of Connecticut
University of Louisville
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of South Florida
Villanova University
West Virginia University

Premiere

University of Louisville Wind Ensemble

Frederick Speck conductor

Margaret Comstock Concert Hall

University of Louisville

Louisville, KY

USA

Sept. 27, 2009