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P'Teeth Suite is a medium grade appetizer for concert band
containing five petites amuses-gueules.
- Fish Finger Frenzy, allegretto energico 82 BPM,
F-Modal, 6/8 meter, 158 mm., duration: 5'25.
This spicy starter is in three parts: a forceful, rhythmical main theme
(with modal character) is juxtaposed with a somewhat more lyrical
Andante middle section (mm. 83-140). Do not lose track of the
longer phrases in the irregular meter. Changing moods in the
central section culminate in a climax (m. 124).
Timpani and percussion will respond to the wind and brass calls.
Never trust the old sailor who tells you this is light stuff.
Wind Music Contest Repertoire 2010:
This composition is listed in the Netherlands Lichte Muziek Repertorium 2010, in the category Popular Music for symphonic wind band.
- Slay Right, moderato satirico 86 BPM,
Bb-Modal, 2/4 meter, 106 mm., duration: 2'30.
The motto is: "Who rides his sleigh through night and snow? With wodka
whips his dogs yo-ho!". Picture a deerhunter, loaded with wodka,
riding a sleigh on the freezing tundra; gun accidents will happen.
Slightly exaggerate the humorous elements in this short piece.
Take sufficient breath at each closing melodic phrase (rallentando)
and stress the light vs. bombastic orchestration.
- Sad Ballad or Bad Salad?, ballad,
largo 66 BPM, D minor, 3/4 meter, 91 mm., duration: 4'15.
Now it's time for fresh vegetables and vitamines. In this
ballad the table is laid with a velvet brass sound (frequent
use of mutes). Variety in instrumentation (lyrical melodic lines
for solo wind players) and a number of climaxes (e.g.,
the rock ballad section in mm. 49-55) provide for a fresh
salad taste.
- Tea, Biscuits and Muffin Dance,
jig, allegro 120 BPM, Bb, 12/8 meter, 93 mm., duration: 3'00.
In this high tea we will enjoy a not-so-genuine sword dance.
Accompanied by two snare drums an orchestral bagpipe imitation
starts (watch the dynamic balance of the drone) and we hear
a fine-malted folk melody. At rehearsal marks C, D and G
muted brass and wind players provide a spicy punch, while
in letter F muffins are being served. Keep this
'Highlands Liverdance' light and joyful; in doing
so you will prevent a hangover!
- Dutch Roll, a.k.a. Blue Mini-can,
moderate rock, 124 BPM, C, 4/4 meter, 119 mm., duration: 4'00.
Finally, let's go cruisin' with his typical 1960s style rock
piece. Apply sufficient grease, a steady beat (here a reliable
bass guitar and drum player will be essential) and a solid
groove (you may divide the rhythm lines over multiple,
alternating players). We hear a few ingredients from a
certain Hollywood composer. Written-out solo choruses for
trumpet and baritone sax have been provided, but other
players may take ad lib choruses (optional repeats). It's
the perfect desert to a healthy meal. A warning to aerospace
engineers: it's not what you think.
This suite in popular style is of medium grade complexity and can be
played even by an incomplete band. Movements 2, 4 and 5 are existing
compositions for the theatre and have here been re-arranged for
concert band, movements 1 and 3 are original compositions.
There are non-essential parts for bassoons, bass trombone and oboe 2.
Also the lack of 4th trumpet and 4th horn will not really be detrimental to
the overall sound. The rhythm section must contain a bass player
(best, if both on string bass and electric bass guitar) and will
certainly benefit from a keyboard player. The jazz guitar part is
optional but strongly recommended in the last movement (rock and roll).
Essential percussion parts have been provided for two players. However, feel
free to add extra percussion parts ad lib, particularly in the rock movement.
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Frans Absil