I.S.S. Flyover
Peter Meechan
Ensemble: Wind Orchestra
Grade: 4
Duration: 05:45
Year of Composition: 2012
Commissioned by: Consortium of Canadian bands led by Darren Oehlerking (U. of Saskatchewan)
Publisher: Peter Meechan
Year of Publication: 2012
Publisher Catalog Number: PMM099
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase
Links:
Piccolo
Flutes 1,2
Oboes 1,2
Bassoons 1,2
B♭ Clarinets 1,2,3,4
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Saxes 1,2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpets 1,2,3
F Horns 1,2,3,4
Trombones 1,2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass
Percussion (4 players):
1. Timpani
2. Suspended Cymbal, Shaker
3. Xylophone
4. Vibraphone
Program Notes:
I.S.S. Flyover was written in August 2012, when the International Space Station (I.S.S.) was visible in the sky over my home town of Manchester, UK. This is not an uncommon occurrence (this website is a useful tool to help you find when the orbit of the I.S.S. passes over), but what was unique about this particular pass was that there would be astronauts carrying out repair work on the outside of the station. The idea that something that seemed to pass so quick in the skies above us juxtaposed with what must have seemed a slow, dangerous journey for the astronaut is what led me to write this piece.
The opening passage is a fast, ostinato driven section, depicting the speed and energy of the I.S.S as perceived from earth. The middle section is desolate and sparse: the astronauts looking down on earth as they slowly orbit around the globe, the loneliness of space. The final section is a return to the original material – this time with even more momentum and drive, provided by the percussion.
(Peter Meechan)
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