Mercury in Transit
A celestial event for wind ensemble
Derek Charke
Ensemble: Wind Ensemble
Grade: 4
Duration: 10:00
Year of Composition: 2006
Commissioned by: Halifax All-City Music
Premiered by: Halifax All-City Music (Nathan Beeler, director)
Date of Premiere: May 16, 2017
Publisher: Canadian Music Centre
Year of Publication: 2017
Publisher Catalog Number: MI 1800 C473mer
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Publisher, Rental
Links:
Piccolo
Flutes 1,2
Oboe
B♭ Clarinets 1,2
B♭ Bass Clarinet
Bassoon (opt.)
E♭ Alto Saxes 1,2
B♭ Tenor Sax
Eb Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpets 1,2,3
F Horns 1,2
Trombones 1,2,3
Euphonium
Tuba
Double bass (opt.)
Percussion (3 or more performers)
Piano/Keyboard (opt.)
In 4 sections:
1. The comet tail of Mercury
2. Mercury, the planet
3. The event horizon
4. Mercury in transit
Program Notes:
Mercury in Transit – a celestial event for wind ensemble was commissioned by Halifax All-City Music, Nathan Beeler, Director. It was inspired by the transit of Mercury that occurred on May 9, 2016. The form of the work follows the trajectory of Mercury, first hurling though space with a comet-like tail hundreds of thousands of kilometres behind it, then reaching the event horizon, and finally completing its transit in front of the sun. The work is in four distinct sections: (1) The comet tail of Mercury, (2) Mercury, the planet, (3) the event horizon, and (4) Mercury in transit. The next transit of Mercury will be on November 11, 2019.
(program notes by Derek Charke)
Festival Syllabus Lists
MusicFest Canada (2021-22): B400