Nazziola-Purple Mountains (SP)-B/V/2M/P/2TP/HN/TN/TU

The title Purple Mountains describes two aspects of this composition. Purple is in reference to the color which I feel describes the brass section heard at the very beginning (with support from the mallet instruments). This color sets the initial tone of the piece. Additionally, the shape of the brass chords from the introduction, as well as the development of both brass and percussion later in the piece, convey the feeling of a large, expansive mountain range—extending endlessly into the distance. This last image is represented in the final section of the piece through restful chords—interrupted by slightly dissonant harmonies.
- Tom Nazziola

Number of players:15
Difficulty: Advanced

Instrumentation

Player 1: Bb trumpet
Player 2: Bb trumpet
Player 3: French horn
Player 4: Tenor trombone
Player 5: Tuba
Player 6: 4 Timpani
Player 7: Triangle, suspended cymbal, anvil, 3 brake drums, finger cymbal
Player 8: Suspended cymbal, sizzle cymbal, triangle, tam tam, crotales
Player 9: Suspended cymbal, shaker, tam tam
Player 10: Bass drum
Player 11: Snare drum
Player 12: Glockenspiel
Player 13: Marimba 1 (5 octave)
Player 14: Marimba 2 (5 octave)
Player 15: Vibraphone