Chronicles (score only) Joseph Turrin

Trumpet Feature
Solo Trumpet with Band
Number of Players:Standard + 1
Copyright:2002
Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bassoon 1/2
Bb Clarinet 1, 2, 3
Eb Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Bb Contrabass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Solo Bb Trumpet
Bb Cornet 1, 2, 3
Bb Trumpet 1, 2
F Horn 1, 2, 3, 4
Trombone 1/2
Bass Trombone
Baritone 1/2
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion 1 (xylophone, bells)
Percussion 2 (snare drum)
Percussion 3 (bass drum, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals)
I composed "Chronicles" during the summer of 1998. It is the second large trumpet work I have written for Philip Smith, the first being the Concerto for Trumpet commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 1988. This work in many ways could also be considered a concerto, if not in a strict sense of form, at least in its expansiveness.

The first movement (Prologue) has several thematic ideas that interweave throughout. There is a mixture of pointillism versus lyricism here along with a driving pulse create by running scale passages shared between soloist and ensemble. I also use a fanfare-like motif (as in the opening solo trumpet cadenza) which serves as a unifying force that reappears throughout. There is a quick coda, ending with a seven-bar chorale in which the solo trumpet recaps material from the opening cadenza.
The second movement (Lamentation) begins with a chorale and consists of several contrasting sections: Section A, the opening chorale with the soloist entering in the latter half of the section. Following is Section B (a restless agitato). This section builds to a short climax which leads us to Section C (a plaintive melody in the clarinets followed by a building of tension in the brass). Section D follows (a lyrical trumpet melody with a steady ostinato accompaniment). There is a short trumpet cadenza followed by the return of the opening chorale. The movement slowly fades into silence.
The last movement (Epilogue) is a rondo in 3/4 time. There are several sections, all of which lead to a trumpet cadenza. Following the cadenza is a fast coda bringing back material from the first movement. The solo trumpet states one last high staccato fanfare as the piece whirls to its conclusion.
- Joseph Turrin