Composed:	December 2006-January 2007; arranged for brass ensemble: March 2010
Duration:	ca. 5:45 min
Premiere:	June 16, 2007; Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts at Emory University; International Euphonium Institute 2007; Richard Prior, conductor
Forces:	Original tuba/euph ensemble:	3 euphoniums, tuba
	Arrangement for brass ensemble:	2 trumpets in C, horn in F; 2 trombones, tuba
Media:	Original tuba/euphonium quartet version (mp3) Performance video of the brass ensemble version (YouTube) Score sample (tuba/euphonium) Score sample (brass ensemble)
	LISTEN!

Availability:
Score and parts of the original tuba/euphonium quartet are available for purchase at Euphonium.com. The brass ensemble arrangement is available for purchase through our Store.

NOTES

This short piece, originally scored for 3 euphoniums and tuba, was commissioned by Adam Frey for the International Euphonium Institute in June of 2007. The piece was re-arranged for extended brass ensemble in the spring of 2010.

It consists of 2 major parts of about equal duration:
The first movement (“Meditation”) is set to explore the lyrical and melodic qualities of the euphonium and features a chorale-like arrangement with all four voices moving in counterpoint, alternating in their individual rendering of the main motif and ending in a suspended chord that leads, attacca, into the second movement.
“Madness” is a fast and march-like movement with strong, often syncopated, rhythmic elements that incessantly drive the movement to its grand finale, which includes a brief restatement of the original lyrical theme from the first movement. – A truly fun and challenging piece.

VIDEO: The composer conducting ensemble “Il Brasso Magnifico” in a performance of the brass ensemble version of “Meditation & Madness” during the 2011 International Euphonium Institute conference at the Schwartz Center for the Arts at Emory University, Atlanta.