Wind Turbines Daniel Chisham

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2011
Piccolo/Flute (optional)
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1/2
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2/3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (+ Triangle, Shaker)
Marimba/Chimes
Percussion 1 (Suspended Cymbal, Xylophone, Bells)
Percussion 2 (Whirling Tube, Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum, Claves)
Percussion 3 (Whirling Tube, Suspended Cymbal, Bongos)
The idea of "Wind Turbines" came to me as I recalled living in Western Oklahoma, during which time they put up a massive wind farm. I was in awe of the enormity of these wind turbines. Each blade measured 45 yards long (almost a half a football field in length). Each wind turbine had three blades and when they were at full speed, it took less than one second for one blade to reach a complete revolution. Watching several of these wind turbines juxtaposed against each other as they rotated in an endless ballet of motion, I could see and hear polyrhythms in my mind.

It is this energy that I tried to captivate in Wind Turbines, depicting the polyrhythmic drone of energy against a backdrop of ever-changing melodies created by the skies. It is my hope that anyone that listens to this piece can picture their own Wind Turbines in their mind as this piece is being performed.