Alfred 33832 Star-Rise, Concert Band

Star-Rise is a programmatic work depicting the progress of the stars across the night sky. Bells set the tone with a simple three-note melody as twilight falls and the first stars appear. Percussion effects represent crickets and cicadas chirping in the background. The texture becomes more chorale-like as related but distinct themes reveal themselves, representing rising constellations. As the star themes gently roll by, the harmony grows warmer and the melody becomes more grandiose in preparation for the final star-rise: the arrival of the morning sun. The work is a great exercise in part layering. -The Instrumentalist