Musser Overture

This energetic 6-minute overture in sonata form makes a great opener. It contains a backdrop of swirling woodwinds, a powerful first theme presented in unison by trumpets, horns, and trombones, and a long, arching second theme presented in unison by flute, clarinet, and bassoon. A dramatic development with much of the thematic material given to the low instruments is followed by an exciting recapitulation and majestic ending. Scored for piccolo, 3 flutes (divided), 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 alto saxes, tenor sax, baritone sax, 4 trumpets, 4 horns, 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, timpani, and four percussion parts covering marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, crotales (bowed), tambourine, temple blocks, sleigh bells, bell tree, triangle, suspended cymbal, tam tam, cymbals, slapstick, timbales, bongos, woodblock, brake drum, snare drum, and bass drum.