Dreams by Firelight: Concerto for Euphonium for solo euphonium with piano, wind band, brass band, or full orchestra
I am excited to announce my first work for solo euphonium in collaboration with renowned soloist Dr. Adam Frey, president-elect of the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Through my writing for wind band, I have come to truly love the incredible combination of heroic lyricism and athletic virtuosity that the euphonium can achieve. It is my hope to create a tuneful, colorful, and exciting showpiece for the vibrant community of euphonium artists.
Program Details
Dreams by Firelight: Concerto for Euphonium is inspired by the works of American poet Byron Herbert Reece and the beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Reece lived his entire life in the north Georgia mountains and many of his works were inspired by the beauty and serenity of this remarkable landscape. My work seeks to capture Reece's rich and poignant descriptions of this magical place through the dynamic medium of solo euphonium and wind band. I. A Fire of Boughs - Reece speaks of a December campfire that fills the soul with warmth and light. A bold and declamatory melody alongside bright metallic shards of percussion sets a scene of energy and joy. II. Autumn Mood - The most fleeting and ineffable season is captured delicately in this short poem. A tentative song grows in spirit and virtuosity alongside a repeating chord progression only to recede as winter approaches. III. Then We Must Dance! - Reece describes a mountain fiddler who journeys to paradise and conjures the souls of the dead to rise up and dance. Bluegrass hoedowns and Irish reels combine in a hopefully thrilling finale that takes full advantage of the euphonium's dextrous capabilities.
Work Details
Duration, 12-14 minutes in three independent movements
Solo Difficulty: advanced but attainable by accomplished undergraduate or graduate students
Ossia provided for extreme upper range
Ensemble Difficulty: Medium-Advanced (Grade 4/5, advanced high school ensembles)
Anticipated Completion: Late Fall 2025
Consortium Performance Exclusivity: January 1 - December 15, 2026
Full orchestra and brass band versions will be available by Summer 2026
Commission Details
Full Membership
Cost: $300
Includes signed and bound solo part, bound wind band score, PDF piano reduction, and PDF wind band parts
Name and institution included in published score
PDF files of brass band and orchestral score and parts provided when available