Description
Duration 14:30 min
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Another epic work from the pen of Melbourne's Daniel Dinh, we proudly present "Spirit and Opportunity".
Named after the NASA Mars Exploration Rovers: "Spirit" and "Opportunity", "Spirit and Opportunity" is a celebration of the human spirit, through discovering the beauty of the universe around us, and the freedom to journey to new places. The piece was
written during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a mix of emotions including uncertainty, hope, despair, celebration and nostalgia. Through all of this, there was always a resilient spirit, and people turning an otherwise terrible situation into opportunity.
"Spirit and Opportunity" takes inspiration from many modern and contemporary wind band composers including Alfred Reed, Claude T. Smith, David Maslanka, Philip Sparke and James Barnes. After a triumphant fanfare opening, the themes and motifs weave between different instruments and sections of the band, and a sense of optimism permeates the ensemble. However, the optimism evolves into uncertainty, and the introduction of a secondary theme plunges us into worry and anger. A plaintive clarinet solo suggests deeper dive into despair, but is subverted by a quaint, nostalgic melody from the saxophone.
However, the melody feels incomplete, as if to ask a question and receive an unsatisfying response. Weaving through the ensemble, the melody continues to search for answers, becoming increasingly convoluted and disordered as more instruments take over. After
some pensive reflection, the melody eventually builds to a satisfying climax, filled with rich textures and harmonies, but is then echoed with slight pessimism.
The reintroduction of familiar themes and motifs suggests a recapitulation, but they are instead transformed into a playful melody, an incessant ostinato, and a somewhat familiar fanfare. Once again weaving between different instruments and sections, the themes build throughout, increasing in energy and culminating in a grandiose chorale.
Instrumentation:
Piccolo, Flute 1 2, Oboe 1 2, Bassoon 1 2, Contrabassoon, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1 2 3, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax 1 2, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, F Horn 1 2 3 4, Bb Trumpet 1 2 3, Trombone 1 2 3, Euphonium 1 2 (BC & TC), Tuba, String Bass, Timpani, Percussion 1 2 3