Point of Departure [solo trumpet & trumpet septet]
20th Century (1995). Point of Departure-Antiphony for Eight Trumpets was premiered at the 1994 International Trumpet Guild Conference at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. It is written for solo trumpet and 7-part antiphonal trumpet choir (8 parts total). In this work, six of seven choir members double on flugelhorn, and all make use of Harmon mutes. The main theme is stated quietly and majestically at the beginning. It then segues to an exciting rhythmic section, then becomes mysterioso. The theme returns and closes the work on a quiet note. The piece not only showcases the soloist, but also allows each member of the ensemble to display their ability. The work should be performed with the soloist standing between the two choirs in a semicircle. -cdp