CRUSH (2019) Triptych for Wind Ensemble

INSTRUMENTATION

4 Flutes (1., 2., 3. doubling Piccolo; 4. doubling Alto Flute), 2 Oboes, English Horn, Eb Clarinet, 3 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bb Bass Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 2 Eb Alto Saxophones, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone, 4 Bb Trumpets, 4 F Horns, 3 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, 2 Euphoniums, 2 Tubas, Timpani, 4 Percussion, Contrabass

DURATION

20 minutes

PROGRAM NOTE

Crush (2019) Triptych for Wind Ensemble was written in fulfillment of the 2019 Atlantic Coast Conference Band Directors Association James E. Croft Grant for Young and Emerging Wind Band Composers.

Atlantic Coast Conference Member Schools and Conductors:

Boston College (Sebastian Bonaiuto)
Clemson University (Dr. Mark Spede)
Duke University (Dr. Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant)
Florida State University (Richard Clary, Dr. Patrick Dunnigan)
Georgia Institute of Technology (Benjamin Diden, Christopher Moore)
University of Louisville (Dr. Frederick Speck)
North Carolina State University (Dr. Paul Garcia)
University of Miami (Dr. Robert Carnochan)
University of North Carolina (Dr. Evan Feldman and Jeffrey Fuchs)
University of Notre Dame (Dr. Kenneth Dye)
University of Pittsburgh (Dr. Brad Townsend)
Syracuse University (Dr. Bradley Ethington)
University of Virginia (Dr. William Pease)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Dr. Derek Shapiro)
Wake Forest University (Dr. C. Kevin Bowen)

Originally scored for eight cellos, Crush (2019) is experiential music I have cast as a triptych for wind ensemble. Drawing its title from Richard Siken’s book of poetry and inspired by the earthy realness charged within its homoerotic text, Crush is music of confusion and disillusionment; of sensuality and seduction; of wild abandon and hushed, haunting intimacy.

It is my hope that in some small way this music helps remind us of our potential to grow from heartache and to embrace the rare moments in life when we allow ourselves to experience true vulnerability.

—Jules Pegram (2019)