Instrumental Duet,Piano Clarinet,Flute,Instrumental Duet,Piano - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1192373

Composed by Brian Chung. Contemporary,Contest,Festival,Film/TV,Traditional. Score and parts. 17 pages. Brian Chung Music #791812. Published by Brian Chung Music (A0.1192373).

This version of Floating, Falling, Flying is optimized for Flute, Clarinet and Piano.  The original trio written for Oboe, Violin and Piano (#1284568 on Sheet Music Direct, #A0.1188926 on Sheet Music Plus) is now available for several instrumental combinations.

YouTube Composer's Commentary:  https://youtu.be/AGq1Y14PHIU

SUMMARY
Have you ever wondered what happens to balloons when they fly away?  Floating, Falling, Flying� depicts the odyssey of two balloons who find themselves suddenly and blissfully untethered.  It presents a musical narrative of their unpredictable journey through the skies, back to earth, and, eventually, into the stratosphere. 

The piece was commissioned by Music Teachers National Association for the 2022 National Conference.  It is a trio for oboe, violin and piano written for students at the intermediate to advanced-intermediate level.  Composed in three contiguous movements, it involves three characters – the balloons (portrayed by the oboe and violin) and the wind (represented by the piano).  

In the opening movement (Floating), the balloons escape their moorings and ascend into free space, floating playfully among the clouds with the help of a gentle wind. But, as in life, journeys are not always peaceful.  The second movement (Falling) opens with a hint that something is not quite right.  Undaunted, the balloons continue their carefree ascent amid the ominous signs of an approaching storm.  The wind ultimately asserts its authority, pummeling the balloons back to earth.  As they lie helplessly on the ground, they assess each other’s condition and make feeble attempts to relaunch.  But, without wind, their situation seems hopeless.  In the final movement (Flying), hope is restored as a quiet breeze lifts the intrepid pair back into the air.  They resume their skyward adventure with renewed vigor and joy – dancing through the clouds and, ultimately, out of sight.

Floating, Falling, Flying is an exciting and challenging piece appropriate for school concerts, recitals and Solo and Ensemble festivals.  

Brian Chung is a pianist, arranger, composer, conference speaker, former Senior Vice Present of Kawai America Corporation, and author or co-author of four books published by Alfred Music.  He was honored to participate in MTNA’s Collaborative Music Commissioning Project with this composition.