Grade 5+
7's (Sevens)
Best described as a jazz-flavored “barnburner” for wind symphony, Sam Hazo's exciting work pays homage to the innovative concepts of George Gerswhin and an appreciation for modern day jazz composer Gordon Goodwin. “7's” refers to the common jazz chord of the 7th as well as number of notes in the phrase, time signatures, etc. Strangely enough, both Gershwin and Goodwin share the same initials (G.G.), have 7 letters in their names, and the letter “G” is the 7th letter of the alphabet! Let it rip. Dur: 3:50
Across the Halfpipe (3rd Movement from "Minnesota Portraits")
Enjoy a jubilant celebration of sounds and rhythms in this refreshing work that musically explores the exhilaration of snowboarding or skateboarding on the “halfpipe.” Composer Samuel Hazo uses an energetic percussion fabric combined with twisting and turning patterns of melodies and riffs in this challenging and appealing offering for band. Dur: 3:50
Alleluia
Commissioned by the award-winning Kalamazoo (MI) Concert Band, Alleluia is a convergence of hauntingly emotive themes that culminate in breath-taking builds. The Kalamazoo Gazette described it as the “pinnacle of the concert” in which it was premiered, adding that Hazo's master composition takes the listener from “...bells and chimes to full Hosannas. The result was transfiguring! It first fades like a sunset, then explodes in white light, bringing the audience to their feet.” Written for mature ensembles, this work will have a powerful impact on the performers as well as all who hear it. Dur: 7:55
Arabesque
Commissioned by the Indiana Bandmasters Association for the 2008 All-State High School Honor Band, this stunning work from the pen of Samuel Hazo is a tour de force of Middle Eastern sounds for the contemporary wind band. From delicate and sensual soloistic writing to full-blown ensemble passages with rapid fire tutti rhythms and frenzied percussion, here is a rewarding piece with drama and depth that will be the high point of any concert or festival program. Period! Dur: 6:00
Exultate
Composed to be music for a celebration, this fiery work introduces nine melodic themes over the course of its relatively brief duration. Using a layering effect as a part of a thematic montage, the intesnity builds to the midpoint of the work where a brief yet powerful chorale offers a break from the frantic pace. The fast tempo returns as the excitement is taken to a new level pushing to the climactic ending. Dur: 3:25
...Go
“...Go puts the hall on notice that a concert has just begun,” writes composer Samuel R. Hazo. Dynamic brass hits, woodwind runs, shimmering chorales and percussion breaks keep both the player and the listener on seat's edge during this tour-de-force overture. In 2009 alone, this spectacular work opened five All-State concerts. Guaranteed to raise the heart rate of anyone within earshot! Dur: 3:05
Jubilatéo (Fanfare and Allegro)
Commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede Showband of Calgary, Alberta, Samuel Hazo has created a stunning and inspired work for mature players. The title (taken from the Latin phrase “Jubilate Deo”) is indicative of the pervading sense of ceremony and jubilation. Bookended with a broad and powerful fanfare, the exuberant allegro section features a spirited pulse with mixed meters and soaring melodies. A dynamic percussion score is inherent throughout the work all the way to the dramatic finish. Dur: 5:00
Minnesota Portraits - Complete Set
You may purchase individual movements or learn more about them by clicking on each movement separately. To purchase the entire set, simply click on the the bottom link that says Purchase - Complete Set.
Purchase - Complete Set
Olympiada
Olympiada was written in 1996 - re-scored in 2002 - to capture the human conditions of intense glory and pain that only the Olympic Games can inspire, while musically tying themes with a historic Greek feel to modern harmonies and melodies. Opening with an Olympic-style brass fanfare to set the tone, this impressive work quickly breaks into a variety of themes and settings representing athletic struggle before recapitulating the fanfare at the end. Dur: 4:40
Parkour (l'art du déplacement)
Combining brash and aggressive rhythmic figures along with more gentle moments and inventive textures, this impressive work by Samuel Hazo is truly a standout for advanced bands. The piece is built around a four-note motif, which is developed and expanded throughout. A middle section features more of a jazzy flavor with saxes in the spotlight accompanied by finger snaps. The rhythmic intensity returns, building towards a glorious full ensemble affirmation and bringing this exciting work to a powerful conclusion. Dur: 5:45
Ride
Ride is a high-velocity piece inspired by a landscape-blurring car ride down a country road in Pennsylvania. Beginning and ending in the same key to symbolize going from one “home” to another, Ride zooms through harmonic and metric changes in between to take listeners and musicians for a “ride” before building to a furious climax. Dur: 3:30
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ScorePlay is available for this piece. You may view the score and listen to the recording of Ride below.
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Rush
Written as a follow-up to his wildly successful composition Ride, this new work from Samuel Hazo was commissioned by the Wenger Corporation and premiered at the 2006 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Like its predecessor, Rush is an exhilarating display of rhythmic intensity, featuring shifting meters and dynamic wind band scoring. Sure to leave your listeners breathless. Dur: 3:35
Sky is Waiting
Commissioned by Bands of America for the 2006 National Honor Band, this impressive tour de force displays a wide range of tonal colors, stylistic variations, and emotional depth for the contemporary wind band. Known for his lyric writing style and powerful ensemble peaks, Samuel Hazo maximizes the effectiveness of the medium in this stunning work. Dur: 7:00