Courtney Sampson – 23994150

Composition Final Submission

Ethereal

Ethereal is a brass quintet composition inspired by Gordon Jacob’s ‘Concerto for Horn and Strings’.
The section I took inspiration from is the beginning of section D in the score. This is identified with
the tempo marking ‘cantabile e dolce’. I enjoyed listening to this section as it has a very lyrical, but
melancholic feel despite being crotchets in the meter of ¾.

The aim of Ethereal is to showcase the lyrical capabilities of the horn in a brass quintet setting, with it
being the main instrument. Usually moving parts and runs are performed by trumpets one and two,
but with this composition, I aimed to have the French horn performing the main melody with
accompaniment by the tuba, trombone and two trumpets.
The work begins in the meter of ¾ as the original but shifts into 3/8 with more moving parts in the
upper voices. The work is in the tonal centre of G Major, with transpositions to D major and A major
for the French horn and trumpets. There are dynamic markings and articulations required at specific
sections, but nothing dramatic.
The aim of this work is to be a peaceful and calming work, showcasing a brass quintet outside of a
Canadian Brass setting, with more emphasis on flowing and lyrical phrases. I hope that it would fit
the name which means ‘extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world.’
I found this to be a challenging task. I think that as a brass player, there is almost an expected sound
that occurs in brass compositions, and I wanted to refrain from that sound. This task was one in which
I could really explore transposition from the vantage point of a composer. I must admit that I find it
easier to transpose while playing both the trumpet and French horn than when composing for them.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed doing this assignment. It has opened my horizons to different ways of
composition and I am most excited to experiment with quintet arrangements in the holiday.
With that said, I would like to dedicate this composition to my dear friends and housemates Estelle
and Cody for their support, assistance and entertainment during the challenge that was composing
Ethereal.