Carousel
Instrumentation: Large Chamber Winds
(3 Flute I, 3 Flute II, 2 Flute III, 2 Oboe I, 2 Oboe II, 2 Clarinet in B♭ I, 2 Clarinet in B♭ II, 2 Clarinet in B♭ III, 1 Bassoon I, 1 Bassoon II, 2 Trumpet in B♭ I, 2 Trumpet in B♭ II, 2 Horn in F I, 2 Horn in F II, 1 Trombone, 1 Percussion, 1 Harp, 1 Piano)
*Exact Instrumentation is Flexible*
Duration: 3'
Commissioned: Greater Boulder Youth Orchestra
Premiere: Greater Boulder Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble(April 28, 2024)
Program Notes
Carousel works to capture the magical experiences of riding on a merry-go-round. From the bright lights to the carved wooden horses, the piece works to embody carousels; not just as a ride at amusement parks or carnivals but also as working pieces of art. Like a carousel spinning round and round, the piece moves in constant motion, never reaching a state of stasis. With a strong sense of drive and rhythmic diversity, the piece moves up and down, side to side, as if you are sitting on a wooden horse spinning round and round. I hope Carousel brings both performers and listeners back to their childhood and reminds them of a simpler, more innocent time in their lives.
Carousel
On thin golden poles
gliding up, sliding down,
a kingdom of horses
goes spinning around.
Jumper, Brown Beauty,
Dark Thunder, Sir Snow,
a medley of ponies
parade in a row
Settled in saddles,
their riders hold on
to reins of soft leather
while circling along
on chestnut or charcoal,
on sleek Arctic white,
on silver they gallop
in place day and night
Such spinning is magic,
(to dream as you sail)
with lavender saddle
and ebony tail,
whirling to music
in moonlight, spellbound,
galloping, galloping,
merrily go round.
- Rebecca Kai Dotlich