Spring Symphony
by Frank A. Wallace
three movements for guitar quartet or ensemble in four equal parts; PARTS INCLUDED
I. Andante / II. Pesante / III. Allegro
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Duration: 13 minutes; 28 pages
Difficulty: Moderate; mostly single notes for guitars; some intricate rhythms and fast scales in thrid mvt.
Instrumentation: four standard classical guitar parts (some divisi optional sections)
Written: October, 2014
Commissioned by: New Hampshire Music Educators Association; special thanks to John Zevos
World Premiere: January 10, 2015 by the first NH All-State Guitar Ensemble conducted by Scott Borg
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Copyright ©2014 Frank A. Wallace
Cover photography and design by Nancy Knowles
All rights reserved.
Why Symphony?
Spring Symphony is a three movement work for guitar ensemble conceived of as a symphonic work for advanced high school or college ensembles. Symphonic is not a word associated with guitar, but I want to convey the richly detailed textures of the score and to encourage performers to think big and colorful.
Commission for All-State
The piece was commissioned for the first New Hampshire All-State Guitar by the NH Music Educators Association. NH is only the fifth state to have an All-State group for guitar. It was the brain-child of John Zevos, director of the Timberlane High School guitar program in Plaistow NH. John was a student of mine briefly about 20 years ago when he was getting his undergraduate degree at Plymouth St. College. He has been a great friend ever since and a model of energy and enthusiasm for his students and me alike.
Spring into color
It was a great honor that John asked me to write this piece for the first ever performance by a group of All-State Guitar students. I wanted the event to be joyous and festive and so I hope the work conveys those feelings with great color. My working title was “Fall Symphony,” simply since I was writing it in the fall. But on completion I realized that the opposite season symbolizes the emotions and grandeur of the piece, as well as the promise of youth.
Read more on the Gyre Blog entitled “The Guitar Symphony”
