Flight

May 2, 2009

8:00 PM

"Also Sprach Zarathustra" is a tone poem inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical treatise of the same name. It contains the World riddle theme, a particular sequence of musical notes in the melody. Its opening fanfare has become well-known due to its use as the key musical motif in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film "2001: A Space Odyssey."

This first of many "Star Trek" movies and adaptations produced several memorable themes written by Jerry Goldsmith, winning him an Academy Award for original score. Goldsmith was a noted composer of television and movie music, including such favorites as the main themes from "The Waltons" and "Star Trek Voyager." He was awarded over 15 Academy Awards for music as well as 9 Golden Globes and 5 Grammy Awards.

Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band, "Flight" premiered in the Milestones of Flight Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, by the United States Air Force Band, Col. Arnald D. Gabriel, Commander/Conductor. It was later adopted as the "Official March" of the National Air and Space Museum. At the request of the Director of the Museum, the middle section of the march contains excerpts from the Pachelbel "Canon in D", as the "Canon" was used as background music during displays.

"Stardust" is an American popular song composed in 1927 by Hoagy Carmichael, with the lyrics added in 1929 by Mitchell Parish. It was written at the Book Nook in Bloomington, Indiana (across the street from the Indiana University School of Law, where Carmichael had attended school ) on an old upright piano, and first recorded by Carmichael’s band in 1927 as a peppy (but mid-tempo) jazz instrumental. Carmichael said he was inspired by the types of improvisations made popular by Bix Beiderbecke, a famous jazz cornetist. The tune at first attracted only moderate attention, mostly from fellow musicians, a few of whom recorded their own versions. However, it soon became a classic performed by such artists as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and most recently by Rod Stewart.

Concerto for Trombone and Band (1877), Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov
Allegro Vivace (1844-1908), Andante Cantabile Adapted by Walter Nallin, Allegro
Scott Rogers-Trombone

A musical discovery of major importance was made in 1951 when a forgotten work, Rimsky-Korsakov’s "Concerto for Trombone and Military Band," was found in Russia. The work opens with a nervously vivacious Allegro, with band and trombone creating a very exciting, forward-moving melody. The luscious cantilena of the slow second movement is so clearly Latin in profile that it could have come straight out of an Italian opera. This leads directly into a march-like finale full of Russian intensity.

Apollo Anniversary March David Mruzek

Dr. Mruzek is a composer of original works for concert band, with over twenty works to his credit.  His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the United States Military Academy Band, the Indiana Wind Symphony, the Angelo State University Symphonic Band, and the Ohio State University Concert Band.  Two of his works are published: "Early One Morning March" and "Boy Scout Centennial." The "Apollo Anniversary March" was written in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the First Man on the Moon.

Mars (1905) John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)
From "The Looking Upward Suite"

Although John Philip Sousa is commonly known as "The March King," few people realize that he also wrote many operas, suites, vocal solos and numerous other types of compositions. In this original suite for band, he depicts his conception of certain heavenly bodies, including "Mars." His predisposition to march rhythms is apparent in this movement and, as is typical of Mr. Sousa, he borrowed some of the themes for this suite from his operetta "Chris and the Wonderful Lamp."

Jupiter (1915) Gustav Holst (1874-1934)

The Bringer of Jollity Arranged by James Curnow From "The Planets" "The Planets" is a suite of seven tone poems, each describing symbolically a different planet. "Jupiter" is introduced by a genial, syncopated dance, appropriately so, since a happy and festive mood is intended throughout the movement. Holst’s love of English folk song and dance is readily demonstrated in this selection. The middle section presents a surprising contrast—a majestic flowing melody in ¾ meter which Holst later used as a patriotic song.

A Nat King Cole Medley Traditional
Scott Rogers-Trombone

This collection features two songs made popular by the great singer Nat King Cole, including 1950’s "Mona Lisa" and 1951’s "Unforgettable." The trombone solo brings the lyrical sounds of the melodies to the foreground, while leaving room for the soloist to improvise in a jazz style.

Star Wars—The Marches (2008) John Williams (1932— ), Arranged by Jerry Brubaker

John Williams created so many stunning marches to accompany the "Star Wars" motion pictures that they were a natural to be combined into one powerful piece. This exciting arrangement features: "Star Wars (Main Theme)," "Parade of the Ewoks," "The Imperial March," "Augie’s Great Municipal Band" and "The Throne Room."

Stars and Stripes Forever (1897) John Philip Sousa (1854-1932)

Of the genesis of this march, which is considered to be his greatest, Sousa tells us in his autobiography, Marching Along: "Aboard the Teutonic, as it steamed out of the harbor on my return from Europe in 1896, came one of the most vivid incidents of my career. As I paced the deck, absorbed in thought, suddenly I began to sense the rhythmic beat of a band playing within my brain. It kept on ceaselessly, playing , playing, playing. Throughout the whole tense voyage, that imaginary band continued to unfold the same themes, echoing and reechoing the most distinct melody. I did not transfer a note of that music to paper while I was on the steamer, but when we reached shore, I set down the measures that my brain-band had been playing for me, and not a note of it has ever changed. The composition is known the world over as " The Stars and Stripes Forever" and is probably my most popular march."