New World Sketches
New World Sketches is a descriptive journey through the landscapes and images of America in the early part of the 20th century. The images and caricatures chosen epitomize all that is the ‘New World', and the musical language draws upon influences of sound and technique that American composers have introduced into the musical vocabulary.
Sidewalk
The work opens with a busy street scene of 1930's New York, and the hustle and bustle of the city can be heard through percussive scoring of car hooters, trams and pedestrians going about their business, featuring elements of George Gershwin's American In Paris and Rhapsody in Blue. There is the sound of a Broadway show, a glimpse of a ‘Tom and Jerry' cartoon and the smokey sounds of Harlem.
The Deep South
As the subtitle suggests, the second movement of New World Sketches evokes images of the 1890's Deep South beginning with a simple spiritual. Played first on unaccompanied solo euphonium the melody is then joined by bass trombone, depicting a slave "work song". An increase in tempo and a resounding tubular bell announces the arrival of a steam locomotive complete with "Love Chime" whistle.
Rodeo
The final movement steers away from the jazz influences synonymous in America's musical history and turns towards the music of Aaron Copland for inspiration. The opening unison tune, played on piccolo, flutes, oboe, bassoon, tenor sax, trumpet and trombone accompanied by extensive poly-chords, creates a big-country sound while the fast pseudo-Irish Jig provides the energy and flair of a rodeo.
New World Sketches is conceived as a single work however each movement works independently if so desired.