Program Notes

Massif [ma-seef] is a term used to describe “a compact portion of a mountain range, containing one or more summits”. This geological term is derived from the French definition of the word: “massive”. Massif is a piece that works to introduce students to the world of sound mass and aleatory. The piece aims to allow younger musicians to explore these aspects of the contemporary classical repertoire that are much less common within the Wind Ensemble medium. Massif opens with a large section of sound mass. Over the course of this two to three minute section, the low brass, horns, low winds, harp, piano, and percussion slowly moves through a four-chord progression (B♭major - C major - E minor - G major - [D major]). Meanwhile, the high woodwinds and trumpets play simple aleatoric phrases over this evolving harmonic pad, creating a rich, dense texture. Following this opening section, the piece transitions into a chorale derived from the previous chord progression. From this figure, the piece moves to a faster section filled with sharp stabs and rhythmic interplay. Finally, the piece returns to a more textural space and the chorale is reintroduced before the music descends into cacophony. I hope that this piece will introduce students to genres and styles of classical music that they are less familiar with and give them an opportunity to experiment within these mediums.