Instrument List

2 pic, 2 fl, 2 ob, ca, 2 bn, cbn, scl in Eb, 3 cl in Bb, 2 bcl in Bb, cbcl in Bb, ssx in Bb, 2 asx in Eb, tsx in Bb, barsx in Eb, 4 hn in F, pic tpt in Bb, 2 tpt in C, 4 tbn (1 btbn), tba, timp, 3 perc, pf, 2-4 string cb

Performances

Premiere: Case Western Reserve University Symphonic Winds, Gary Ciepluch, Music Director, Kulas Hall, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland, Ohio, February 20, 2005.

Program Note

This work was commissioned by Gary Ciepluch, Director of the University Circle Wind Ensemble, and was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001.

Following the premier Dr. Ciepluch wrote:

“This is a masterful composition, creatively and expertly 
scored, utilizing the best the wind ensemble has to offer.  Creative 
textures, harmony, color, chord composition, and rhythmic flow are 
used to represent the emotions of that tragic day.

After two 
”shocking” explosions from the ensemble, the work proceeds with a slow 
build up of energy to a magnificent climax placed proportionally in the 
work where September 11 would fall in the calendar year.  It concludes 
away from the powerful sound mass of this climax though prayerful and 
reflective musical passages.  “One Morning in September” is a 
significant addition to the wind ensemble repertoire, effective and 
memorable for the conductor, players and audience.

The use of two 
piccolos, English Horn, contra bass clarinet, contra bassoon, Eb 
clarinet, soprano saxophone, piccolo trumpet, string bass and piano 
added to the traditional full wind ensemble score provides the listener 
with sounds and colors rarely heard in a wind band piece.  This is an 
exciting work most worthy of study and performance.