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Vintage Collection
A celebration of 20th-century musical styles, reimagined with playful twists and nostalgic charm
Date
2024
Category
Wind Ensemble / Band
Duration
13 minutes
Instrumentation
Piccolo, Flutes 1-2, Oboes 1-2, Clarinets 1-4 in B-flat, Bass Clarinet, Bassoons 1-2, Alto Saxophones 1-2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpets 1-3 in B-flat, Horns 1-4 in F, Trombones 1-3, Euphoniums 1-2, Tuba, Double Bass, Harp, Timpani, and 4 percussionists
Commission / Artist
Premiere
Composer's Note
Vintage Collection is a playful and nostalgic journey through diverse 20th-century musical forms and styles. Each movement draws inspiration from the past, reimagining it with a modern twist while celebrating the vitality and charm of bygone eras.
The forms span a wide stylistic gamut: a humoresque in ‘That Smirk,’ a minuet in ‘Minuet Antique,’ and a samba in ‘Evening Attire.’ ‘The Stinger’ channels a rock ethos, while ‘Stroke of Green’ draws on a jazzy pop idiom. Through winks and nods, these movements explore a diverse array of characters, styles and melodic gestures.
Threads of homage to other composers are woven throughout. Some are subtle, like whispers of inspiration, while others are unmistakable in their fingerprints. For the strongest connections, I’ve tipped my hat directly in the score, offering a roadmap for listeners and performers to trace the lineage of ideas.
As a whole, Vintage Collection thrives on contrast, with each stylised short contributing its own distinct character and mood. The suite unfolds with shifting perspectives and contrasting moods, like a meal where appetisers, main courses, desserts, and drink pairings come together to create a harmonious and memorable experience.
Vintage Collection
Kevin Beavers
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