This concert march was completed and premiered in December 2009 for the 50th anniversary of the Hiroshima Prefecture All Japan Band Association. The title “Brillante” was selected by the association’s board from other proposed options including “Brightness”, “Light”, “Future”, “Dream”, “Hope”, and “Joy”, all reflected in the style of this piece.
The form of this work is standard Japanese concert march: 1st stanza - 2nd stanza - trio - recapitulation. Melody and phrases from the first half reappear toward the end as countermelody and interlude which give the work a sense of unity.
On the other hand, this work employs various musical ideas. During the recapitulation, an eight bar phrase transition appears to provide momentum towards the coda, for greater emphasis. The final trumpet notes have optional divisi for a more “Brilliante” ending.
Picc., Fl.1-2, Ob., Bsn., Eb Cl., Bb Cl.1-3, Eb A.Cl., B.Cl., A.Sax.1-2, T.Sax., B.Sax., Trp.1-3, Hrn.1-4, Trb.1-3, Euph., Tuba, St.Bass, Timp., Xylo., Glock., S.D., B.D., C.Cym.
Duration: 4:00
Grade: 3
***Reference recording: "Toward Higher Mountains" (BOCD-7347)
About the Composer:
A composer of high international acclaim, Shin’ya Takahashi (b.1962) received his bachelors and masters degrees in composition from Kunitachi College of Music. His March Beyond the Horizon was selected as a 1999 All Japan Band Competition test piece and another work Jalan-jalan, "Vision of Isle of the Gods" in the style of gamelan (traditional Indonesian music) was selected as a 2005 Bavarian State Wind Band Festival test piece. His compositional style employs various Asian ethnic influences like Japanese culture (Sharaku), the traditional Southeast Asian genre of gamelan (Jalan-jalan), or Korean folksongs (Song of the Straits). He also writes for diverse ability levels (Gold Rush!, Sunday Market, and Weather Report). His Wind for Winds march has the easy going feel that introduces his work to many ensembles.
