Grand Rapids Suite

From Program Notes

Grand Rapids Suite was commissioned by the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band, Grand Rapids Michigan. It was written in 1989 to honor the band's founder and former conductor William Root. The first performance took place on November 18, 1990 at the Royce Auditorium in Grand Rapids, Michigan, conducted by the composer. The Prologue has an energetic fanfare featuring the brass, woodwinds and timpani. Burlesque has a tongue-in check melody stated in the low woodwinds, followed by a contrasting theme in the oboe and the alto saxophone. The opening burlesque theme returns at the end in triple canon. Soliloquy is a lyrical movement that is very introspective featuring numerous soloists. Circus opens with a fast-moving melodic figure followed by a section in waltz time suggesting the graceful flying trapeze. It ends with a three ring circus effect complete with its own ringmaster. --Lori Rosenbauer Huff 13:23, April 24, 2007 (EDT)