Winter Dreams (2015) for concert band is Michael Daugherty's contemporary musical reflection on the creative world of Iowa artist Grant Wood (1891-1942). Composed in memory of Michael's father, Willis Daugherty (1929-2011), the music also reflects on the years when the composer was growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A lush tapestry of slow moving sonorities unfolds as Winter Dreams evokes the bleak winter scenes of rural Iowa depicted in Grant Wood's paintings and lithographs of the 1930s-1940s, such as ?January? and ?February.? A haunting melody evokes a cold winter wind whistling ?down in the valley.? If you are looking for a soulful, poignant and expressive work to program for your next concert, look no further. Winter Dreams is well suited for bands at the college, high school and community levels.
Instrumentation
The number of players doubling each part is at the conductor's discretion, but should be in keeping with a balanced sound.
Piccolo/Flute
2 Flutes (min. 2 players per part)
Alto Flute (opt. but preferred)
2 Oboes
English Horn
4 Bb Clarinets (min. 2 players per part)
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Contralto Clarinet
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon
Bb Soprano Saxophone
Eb Alto Saxophone
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
3 C or Bb Trumpets (straight metal mutes, harmon mutes)
4 F Horns
3 Trombones (1st/2nd Tenor, 3rd Bass; straight metal mutes)
2 Euphoniums (T.C. and B.C.)
Tuba
Contrabass (opt. but preferred)
Timpani (4 drums; 32?, 29?, 26?, 23?)
Harp (or Piano if no Harp available)
Celesta (or electronic keyboard with Celesta patch if no Celesta available)
Percussion (5 players; instruments are not shared):
1. Glockenspiel, Crotales (or Glockenspiel if no Crotales available)
2. Vibraphone
3. Marimba
4. Chimes
5. Finger Cymbals, Mark Tree, Sleigh Bells, Bell Tree (or Mark Tree if no Bell Tree available).
