Eaglecrest - SMC544 | Musica

James Barnes composed his overture "Eaglecrest" for the Explorer Wind Symphony, New Hamphire and the conductor T.J. Rand. Right beneath the title we find a quote by Walt Whitman:

"Skyward in air a muffled sound,
the dalliance of the eagle..."

"Eaglecrest" is James Barnes' opus 49 and an impressive overture for wind bands playing at grade 6. Rhythms pushing forward give a freedom-loving impression, bursting with energy, like an eagle, soaring through the air. This light and at the same time noble impression is emphasized by chords, fragmented in semiquavers and played by the high instruments as well as by broadly phrased melodies in the bass sections. The slow middle part is introduced by a short oboe solo before we hear a beautiful solo played by the alto-saxophone and finally an emotional tutti sound. Then the forwardly oriented rhythms of the beginning reappears and "Eaglecrest" raises to a festive finale.