Instrumentation: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bassoons; 4 Horns in F, 3 Bb Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba; Timpani, Drum Set, Vibraphone, Utility Percussion (Wind Chimes and Tambourine); and Strings.
Duration: 4 minutes, 40 seconds.
Suggested Concert Format: Pops Concert
Description: The form of prologue is based on an evolving ABC tune pattern that uses quartal harmony, the mixolydian mode, and an occasional meter change to create an ever building melodic and harmonic intensity. After a brief introduction featuring echo-like effects in the woodwinds and short solo fills by pizzicato string basses, the work establishes a 5/4 tempo. The string orchestra states the initial theme, followed by solo and section woodwinds as the melody evolves into a simpler statement of the basic tune. The orchestration builds with brass punctuations and eventually the theme is stated using the full orchestra. Special effects include acceleration and deceleration tremolos in the strings (sometimes on harmonics), wind chimes, and sweeping passages in the woodwinds. This all leads to a final statement of the tune by the full orchestra.
History: prologue for Orchestra was originally written by composer Hal Peterson in the spring of 1973 as a work for jazz sextet. The work received its premiere at the Concord Jazz Festival in August of that year. In 1981 a studio orchestra version was produced and recorded, and this new orchestration for full orchestra was started in the summer of 1991, but not completed until August of 1993.
About the composer.
Ordering Information:
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