Description
Program Note:
The legendary bird that rises from its own ashes, the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Each movement of this eponymous piece for saxophone choir represents part of that cycle. The first movement, “Feverish,” begins with delusions of grandeur that become increasingly bizarre until the music self-combusts. The second movement, “Ashen,” plaintively mourns its humble state and yearns for transcendence. The third movement, “Ascendant,” rises from these ashes to become again confident and resplendent.
Year Composed: 2025 (arrangement of the sax choir original)
Commissioned by:
- Nicholas Enz, St. Ambrose University
- Darrell Brown, Georgia Southern University
- Lawerence Spell, Transylvania University
- Chris Dobbins, Washington and Lee
- Kyle Norris, Buena Vista University (Iowa)
- Mr. Chris Miertschin, Bethel College
- Rob Stull, Clarke University
- Geoff DeSpain, Eastern Arizona College
- Nolan Hauta, University of Dubuque
- Bill Carson, Coe College
- Phil Day, Ohio State University Collegiate Winds
- Patrick Stuckemeyer, Kentucky Wesleyan College
- David Mobley, Round Rock (TX) High School
Instrumentation:
- Picc.; Fl. 1, 2; Ob. (ad lib.); Bsn. (ad lib.)
- Cl. 1, 2 (B♭); B. Cl.; Cb. Cl. (ad lib.)
- A. Sax.; T. Sax.; Bar. Sax.; B. Sax. (ad lib.)
- Tpt. 1, 2 (B♭); Hn. 1, 2 (F); Tbn. 1, 2; Euph.; Tba.
- D.B.
- 3–6 Perc. (The standard version calls for 6 perc. If you want the 3-perc. version, email me after purchase, and I’ll send the PDF score + parts for free.)
Duration: 14 minutes
Difficulty: Grade 5
Premiere: May 10, 2025 at the Galvin Fine Arts Center by the St. Ambrose University Symphonic Band, Nicholas Enz, dir.
Performance History: Click here for the complete performance list.
Perusal Score: Download
