Grade 3
Arrows
This impressive work by Samuel Hazo begins and ends with a unifying dramatic and powerful fanfare theme. In contrast, the middle section is built around faster and modern-sounding rhythms and harmonies, while incorporating traditional melodies (including a hint of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring) lending a unique and timeless quality to the music. Commissioned as a tribute from one band director to his predecessor, this is a rewarding and effective work for today's bands. Dur: 5:00
Ascend (Movement III of “Georgian Suite”)
Composed for Tapp Middle School in Powder Springs, GA and premiered at the 2005 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Ascend is a driving and energetic work designed to sound great with younger bands. The combination of mixed meters and syncopation gives the main theme a unique edge, and there is a brief 3-part fugue woven into the texture of the piece. Sure to provide a rewarding and varied musical experience for your players. Dur: 3:05
Blue and Green Music
The stunning artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe is no more apparent than in her famous 1921 painting entitled Blue and Green Music. Fittingly commissioned by the Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (O'Keeffe's birthplace), Samuel Hazo does an amazing job of portraying subtle as well as bold colors into musical terms. Based on a single theme that is manipulated and varied throughout, the piece progresses from delicate mallet percussion effects up to climactic impact points for the entire ensemble. O'Keeffe explained her idea that “music could be translated into something for the eye.” And Mr. Hazo succeeds wonderfully in translating it back into something for the ear! Dur: 4:45
Chorus Angelorum
This poignant and moving work musically tells the tale of a chorus of angels (chorus angelorum) as they accompany two souls to the next world. Composed as a memorial piece, the music evolves from the initial “angels' song,” their journey to heaven, and their return to comfort those who mourn. The voice parts (performed on a synthesizer or by real voices) add an ethereal quality to this wonderful work. Dur: 6:25
Danny Boy
With chordal harmonies that can only be described as rich and luxurious, this timeless Irish ballad is presented here in a marvelous and engaging setting guaranteed to make everyone feel good. Warm chords and Hazo's unique treatment of emotion-packed suspensions help make this a guaranteed favorite for years to come. Already a proven winner with honor bands and festivals, Samuel Hazo's Danny Boy is a must have for your wind library. Dur: 3:10
Drums of the Saamis
Drums of the Saamis was commissioned by the Medicine Hat Concert Band Society of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. The piece chronicles the merger of the First Nation (first natives) and modern Albertan cultures. The opening tribal drums followed by the haunting melody simulating the traditional wooden flute comprise two themes that are the foundation for the entire piece. Both elements are developed, varied and enhanced throughout as the listener senses the increasing influence of modern day Alberta through the use of modern sounding chords and rhythms. By the end, the marriage of the old and the new is complete. This powerful work closes as it began; a restatement of themes representing the musical and historical foundation of the region. Dur: 5:00
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ScorePlay is available for this piece. You may view the score and listen to the recording of Drums of the Saamis below.
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Each Time You Tell Their Story
Sam Hazo offers this beautiful work based on a poem written by his father, poet laureate of Pennsylvania. After a sensitive introduction, the poem is read under a haunting military cadence in the percussion. The material in the introduction is then developed and presented in a lush and beautiful setting. Chimes, wind chimes, and bells conclude the work which fades to silence. Very compelling. Dur: 5:00
From Gold - New Release
Glistening chords, soaring melodies, broad fanfares and gorgeous chorales will fill your concert hall with this evocative work. Best of all, From Gold sounds much harder than it actually is. Mr. Hazo's background as a music educator is evident in how quickly directors and students will get to the music making. Written entirely in B-flat with few accidentals, the runs are split between instruments for playability, and parts are doubled/cued to build confidence. Young bands will sound mature, and mature bands will be breathtaking. Dur: 4:35
Keltic Variations
Themes in Keltic Variations are based on a style of sea chanteys sung by sailorsin northwestern Europe. Written for students at middle and high school levels, Keltic Variations introduces the musical form of simple theme and variations in an artful balance that falls well on audiences' ears but can also serve as a music lesson in modes and rhythms. Dur: 2:45
Our Yesterdays Lengthen like Shadows
This uniquely constructed work was commissioned by the 2008 South Carolina High School All-State Band and consists of a series of gorgeous melodic textures surrounding one ever-present note. The listener hears this note briefly in the beginning and the end, but it is skillfully hidden in between. From lush soft passages to crescendos that leave your audience breathless, this composition will provide you and your ensemble with an unforgettable musical experience! Includes access to online recording of full performance. Dur: 5:00
Rest (2nd Movement from "Minnesota Portraits")
Based on the familiar carol “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” Samuel Hazo incorporates featured melodies for oboe and horn along with dense textures and harmonic alterations in this moving and reverent setting suitable for special holiday occasions. Dur: 3:00
Voices of the Sky
Our sky is never the same – from day to day or even hour to hour. It holds the brightest and darkest things we will ever see, and in addition is capable of displaying every imaginable color and mood. Through this expressive work, Samuel Hazo has translated the many qualities of the sky into musical moods. The opening section features flowing melodies beautifully developed between soloistic and full ensemble playing. The “sinister” fast section features driving rhythms, mixed meters and a crescendo that evolves into a powerful setting of the original melody. Sam's sense of timing and emotional pacing is strongly evident in this effective work. Dur: 5:45
A Zillion Nickels - New Release
When you look out at the ocean, what does it resemble? This unique, driving composition paints that picture. The upper Atlantic beaches hold many stories, from beautifully scenic sunrises to the wrath of Hurricane Sandy. Three high schools in Toms River, New Jersey commissioned the musical depiction of their celebrated shore, from joy to turbulence. The heavy emphasis on percussion only adds to the exciting build and powerful ending. Dur: 4:15