Celestial Guardians

by
David Marlatt

Ensemble: Concert Band

Grade: 2.5

Duration: 07:15

Year of Composition: 2008

Commissioned by: Dr. Norman Bethune C.I.

Publisher: Eighth Note

Year of Publication: 2008

Publisher Catalog Number: CB29150

Available: Yes

How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase

Links:

Web Page

Sample Audio

Perusal Score 

Instrumentation

Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B♭ Clarinets 1, 2
E♭ Alto Clarinet
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Saxes 1, 2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpets 1,2
F Horn
Trombone 1, 2
Baritone
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani/Bells
[Mallet Percussion:] Xylophone/Bells/Marimba
[Percussion 1:] Snare Drum, Low Tom-tom, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Gong
[Percussion 2:] Wood Block, Tambourine, Cymbal, Sleigh Bells

Commissioned by the Dr. Norman Bethune C.I. Junior Band (Andria Kilbride, director).

In four continuous movements:
I. Dragon of the East
II. Phoenix of the South
III. Tiger of the West
IV. Tortoise (Black Warrior) of the North

The third movement is also available separately in a Grade 0.5 version as White Tiger.


Program Notes:

According to ancient Chinese mythology the universe was divided into four quadrants called the Four Celestial Palaces, each represented by a guardian animal: Dragon, Phoenix, Tiger and Tortoise. This four-movement work takes the listener on a journey to ancient China with contrasting moods and rhythmic interest. Many different instruments and sections are featured throughout the piece.

(Eighth Note Publications)