Pacifica
Robert Buckley
Ensemble: Concert Band
Grade: 4
Duration: 04:45
Year of Composition: 2006
Publisher: Fentone
Year of Publication: 2013
Publisher Catalog Number: F972
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase
Links:
Program Notes:
The idea for Pacifica came from an automobile trip down the coastal road of the west coast of North America from Vancouver to San Francisco. This area is alive with stunning vistas, pristine beaches and animal life. The composer was watching the eagles soaring overhead and wondered what all of this would look like from the eagle’s perspective – through the eyes of an eagle. This was the inspiration for Pacifica.
After the sunrise introduction, we hear the lively first theme as the eagle sees the dolphins, orcas, seals and otters playing in the waves. The melody moves around the band and, as the eagle soars to the top of a giant redwood, we move to the second majestic theme. This theme starts with a clarinet solo and builds with the eagle flying above the enormous sea cliffs. As the eagle swoops down to the ocean, we return to the first, playful theme. This builds to the final, majestic theme as the eagle ascends to its nest and surveys its domain.
(Robert Buckley)