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This exciting and entertaining addition to the repertoire is a riveting fantasy in three movements: Prelude to Contact, Alien Probes and Aggressions."I have always been fascinated by the human ability to disregard the tangible in order to embrace the intangible. Whether the intangibility involves the belief in a Deity, the enthusiastic acceptance of a conspiracy theory, or being engrossed in a movie about something as implausible as a Martian invasion, a leap of faith is required to enter the magical realm of the imagination." - Howard J. Buss
On stage the percussionists are arranged into 3 quartets. Each group consists of a set of pitched and non-pitched instruments. For the most part, the positioning of the players is for the sake of balance; however, there are sections in the music where the parts are choreographed for special sonic and visual effects.This composition appeals to all types of audiences: the music is sophisticated , yet because of its programmatic nature and the dazzling and powerful musical imagery, it will speak to anyone who still has a pulse! If you are looking for a large-scale ensemble work (comprised approximately of 75% keyboard percussion) with some parts which will challenge your best players, and other parts that will accommodate your Freshmen - this is it!
Number of Players: 12
Difficulty: Grade 5
Instrumentation:
Player I: Bells, Conga, 2 Suspended Cymbals
Player II: Xylophone, Wood Block
Player III: Marimba
Player IV: Bongos, 2 Suspended Cymbals, Slapstick, Siren
Player V: Vibraphone
Player VI: Marimba (5 octave)
Player VII: 4 Timpani, Cowbell, Crotales (1 octave)
Player VIII: 5 Roto-Toms, Tam-Tam, Lion's Roar, Bass Drum, Maracas, 2 Suspended Cymbals, Triangel, Bell Tree, Snare Drum, Hi-Hat
Player IX: Bells, Chimes, Sleigh Bells, Guiro, Temple Blocks, Maracas
Player X: Xylophone, Snare Drum
Player XI: Marimba
Player XII: Bongos, 2 Suspended Cymbals, Ratchet
Howard J. Buss (b. 1951) is recognized internationally as a significant composer of contemporary classical music. His compositions have received critical acclaim and have been performed in more than 50 countries. His music is widely performed and frequently featured at national and international music conventions and festivals. They have been performed by faculty musicians from major universities as well as current and former members of prestigious organizations such as The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, etc. A copy of his patriotic composition Fanfares is included in the Presidential Collection of Ronald Reagan. Buss' more than 120 published works include instrumental solos, chamber music, symphonic, choral, and band works. They are fast becoming part of the standard repertoire in concert halls.
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