The Autumn Leaves Swirl in Crisp October Wind

The Autumn Leaves Swirl in Crisp October Wind is a programmatic work for wind ensemble consisting of five sections. Each section of the work takes the listener on a journey through my own childhood memories of autumn in Michigan. The first section is titled “Bursting with Color”, featuring the brass and percussion; this segment represents the vivid color changing of leaves during the fall season. The second section, “Steady, Rhythmic”, expresses the excitement and fun of Halloween night, beginning with a layered percussion groove with more instruments adding in over time. The third “Brisk” section features various sections in the ensemble and signifies a change in weather, with temperatures dropping and cold winds nipping at one’s skin. The constant sound of the temple block and steady brass ostinato represent the urge to get indoors on a cold, November day. The fourth section is the melancholic “Autumnal Chorale”, initiated by a French horn soli. This portion of the work indicates the end of the fall season as winter takes over. Finally, a “Vivid” section concludes the piece, as flourishing woodwinds and flashy percussion dance around the brass, who expand upon the melodic material from “Bursting with Color”.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.M. (Master of Music)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music Composition (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Lester, Ian

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rudy, Paul, 1962-

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/95129

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/95129