Sinfonia XVII: The Four Winds

Sinfonia XVII: The Four Winds was commissioned by the Charles D. Evans Junior High School Band and Orchestra Boosters of Ottumwa, Iowa for the Evans Junior High School Wind Symphony, Phillip C. Wise and Jena S. Hawk, directors. The piece was composed during June and July of 1989 and is derived from the musical materials in movements one, four, five and seven of the composer's Suite on the First Tone for organ solo.

The four winds blow variously from north, south, east and west, causing clouds to race across the sky, fires to blaze high in the great forests, melancholy to permeate the souls of dreamers, and promises of adventure to perfume the air with excitement.

In the great organs of the baroque cathedrals, the four winds bring to musical life the pipes of the main wind chests: grand organ, positive organ, solo organ and pedal.

The instruments of the wind ensemble are characterized by their sounds-flutes, single reeds, double reeds, brasses-and it is the four-fold richness of timbre in the band to which the composer pays tribute. From the world of natural wonders, the great pipe organs, and the timbrel diversity of wind instruments Sinfonia XVII draws its inspiration.

Program Note by Timothy Broege