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The title Wind Sculptures has a double meaning. On one level it means a group of pieces for an ensemble of wind instruments. On another level it musically depicts scenes of nature, both physical and abstract, which have been created by physical winds. In other words, is signifies and ensemble of wind instruments carving out, or sculpting, sound images of nature or abstract formations constructed, or sculpted, by the blowing winds of nature. No more program is intended than is inherent in the various titles. The instrumentation is for normal high school band. The players, however, are required to perform with new techniques and new sounds are explored in the percussion. For example, the imagery of "clouds" is enhanced by five sets of glass wind chimes over which the flutes and clarinets play in a completely free, independent, and unmetered style (with the band whistling at one point). "Magnificent Desolation" is constructed of pianissimo lines alternating with large blocks chords and rushing sounds produced by brass players blowing through their instruments with no mouthpieces. "Winds From Limbo" depicts images the subconscious mind sees. The eerie quality is effected in part by the water tam-tam. whose ghostly glissandoing timbres conjure up spectral images.
Wind Sculptures was written for the Sand Creek High School Band, Sand Creek, Michigan, Richard Farley, director. It was first performed by the Sand Creek High School Band in Hill Auditorium at The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, On January 17, 1975 for the band's performance at the Mid-Western Music Educators Conference.
Instrumentation:
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