The title refers to the Four Winds of the apocalypse, and is also an obvious play on words in a piece written for winds. This nine-minute work for wind ensemble, in a single movement, is based entirely on a six-note synthetic scale including the notes C, D, E, G, Ab, A. Every other note of this scale is combined into two different triads, one augmented (C, E, Ab) and the other suspended (D, G, A), The alternation of these two triads serve as the only harmonic structure for the piece.
Beginning with a simple idea stated by the trombone, this idea is blown around the ensemble in a haphazard fashion until it develops into the first theme when the woodwinds take over as a group. This initial theme eventually blows itself out, to be replaced by an abrupt gust of percussion, much stronger and faster, with an insistent, driving ostinato. The trumpet states the second theme alone, then is quickly joined by the other winds in a repeat.
The chimes break away to state the third theme, a twisted version of the Medieval hymn, Dies Irae (Day of Wrath), which really doesn't resemble the original much at all. Next, the bass instruments of the ensemble join the chimes in repeating the third theme, while the rest of the winds restate the second theme. The percussion continue their ostinato throughout this section.
A few individual winds try to break this percussion ostinato, but only succeed in modifying it slightly. The winds gradually join in the excitement, each section stating and repeating its own motive in a group effort that constitutes the fourth theme. When this finally breaks under its own weight, the woodwinds gently bring back the first theme, accompanied by a subdued and rhythmically altered version of the third theme.
At this point, the percussion take over again, with a gale-force ostinato based on uneven rhythms applied to the second theme – the twisted Dies Irae – again stated in the chimes, then joined by the low brass. The trumpets and horns bring back the second theme, adjusted to fit the new rhythmic reality, and the woodwinds do the same for the first theme. These three themes coexist briefly, then, just before the end, the trombone tries to return to the calm that began the performance. A final strong gust from the entire ensemble puts an end to this idea, simultaneously signaling the end of the piece.
Grade level 4-5
Premiered March 28, 2008