Osti Music Soul Has Many Motions - Mackey - Concert Band - Gr. 5

Composer: John Mackey
Grade: 5 (Movement 2: Grade 4)

In physics a motion is a change; in geometry a motion is a transformation. These four songs, written on the occasion of Richard Floyd's retirement from the University Interscholastic League, celebrate that moment of change and transformation by evoking many kinds of motion, of bodies and of the soul. "Violet Crown Fanfare" captures the movement of the heavens and the optimism of the wide-open West; "Night on Fire" suggests the wild dancing of a nomadic camp; "Unquiet Spirits" is a waltz full of longing and an otherworldly sweetness. The final movement, "The Ringmaster's March," is a riotous Ivesian circus parade, a joyful noise in honour of a man who has always been at the centre of the show.

This work may be performed as a complete four-movement suite, or with single or multiple movements excerpted.

Movements:
I. Violet Crown Fanfare
II. Night on Fire (also available separately)
III. Unquiet Spirits
IV. The Ringmaster's March

Commissioned by a consortium of student music organizations at The University of Texas in recognition of Richard Floyd's tireless and passionate advocacy for music education in the State of Texas:
Kappa Kappa Psi, Mu Phi Epsilon, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Sigma Alpha Iota, Tau Beta Sigma, and The University of Texas Student Music Educators Association