Difficulty Level: 3.5

Soliloquy (for Orchestra) is an original and dynamic work that features exciting dialogues between sections of the orchestra and uses thematic transformation to develop the work. This colorful tribute to the composer’s friend and mentor expresses the challenges and triumphs of a life in music education. It will be a unique addition to any program, and a concert favorite with your musicians and audience alike. (4:40)

COMPOSER’S NOTES:

Soliloquy (for Orchestra) was composed as a tribute to the composer’s mentor and friend, Stan Steele, on his retirement from 37 years in music education and arts administration in the Irvine Unified School District (CA). A soliloquy is a spoken oratory or conversation with oneself in which personal thoughts are expressed, and is most commonly found in theater or in literature. In this case, it is the composer’s own musical soliloquy expressing deep admiration and gratitude for his dear friend and colleague.

Soliloquy begins with a four-note theme representing the dedicatee’s name (ST-A-N) and undergoes several transformations or “variations.” This thematic transformation attempts to depict a personal and professional journey, filled with many triumphs and struggles. At letter C, controversy and strife are depicted by the dissonance of the theme, which finds resolution by letter D. In the last section of the piece, the music becomes blatantly sentimental, and the work ends with a deeply reluctant “Mahlerian” farewell and a final statement of the theme by the horn (Stan’s instrument).

INSTRUMENTATION:

Conductor Score ………………………… 1
Piccolo …………………………………….. 1
Flute ………………………………………… 1
Oboe ………………………………………. 1
Bassoon …………………………………… 1
Bb Clarinet I ………………………………. 1
Bb Clarinet II ……………………………… 1
Bb Bass Clarinet …………………………. 1
F Horn ……………………………………… 2
Bb Trumpet I & II ………………………… 2
Trombone I & II …………………………. 2
Tuba ………………………………………… 1

Mallet Percussion (Bells, Xylophone,
Vibraphone) ……………………………… 3
Timpani (G-A-C) ………………………….. 1
Percussion I (Triangle, Suspended
Cymbal, Snare Drum, Bass Drum) ……… 2
Percussion II (Finger Cymbals, Wood
Block, Sleigh Bells) ……………………… 2

Violin I …………………………………….. 8
Violin II ……………………………………. 8
Viola ……………………………………….. 5
Cello ……………………………………….. 5
String Bass ………………………………… 5