Instrumentation: 3 flutes, 3 oboes, 4 B-flat clarinets, basset horn, B-flat bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon, soprano Saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, 3 B-flat trumpets, 4 horns, 2 trombones bass trombone, 2 euphoniums, tuba, double bass, piano, timpani, 4 percussionists (bass drum, snare drum, tam-tam, suspended cymbal, whip, vibraphone)

Duration: 10’00”

View the painting on Google Arts and Culture

Program Notes:

Sunset on the New England Coast was written for the CCM Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Gamboa. This piece is loosely based off a painting of the same name by Robert Duncanson. Born in 1821, Duncanson was one of the first successful African American painters. He spent a majority of his life based in Cincinnati painting landscapes. This particular work comes from late in his life when he began to succumb to lead poisoning, which he most likely contracted from lead paint. Duncanson’s actions became increasingly unpredictable. Modern doctors would have likely diagnosed the painter with schizophrenia. He eventually died after having a seizure while setting up an exhibit in Michigan. The beginning of this piece takes cues from the painting. Lush textures and waves of sound mimic the ocean scene that Duncanson depicts. As time goes on the music gets more and more chaotic, representing Duncanson’s struggle and mental decline.

Premiered by the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music Wind Ensemble