Download set (Score & Parts)
Premiered on 3rd December 2024 by Senzoku Gakuen College of Music Green-Tie Wind Ensemble, conducted by Luis Serrano Alarc Ón, Arietta for Wind Ensemble was designed as a five-minute intermezzo in a slow tempo to be performed between Alarc Ón's dramatic and passionate works. Arietta is of moderate difficulty, written with educational purposes in mind by fostering expressive playing in wind ensembles.
The composition emphasizes awareness of harmony and non-harmonic notes, phrasing which incorporates anacruses, natural agogics derived from these elements, beautiful soft playing, delicate dynamic shifts, percussion that enhances tonal colour, musical structure, and attentive listening to other voices.
In contrast to increasingly technique-focused pieces that dominate today’s wind ensemble repertoire, Arietta invites listeners to enjoy a gentler, more introspective kind of music. As the introductory motif unfolds, one may catch glimpses of familiar melodies. I hope it conveys both my affection for and a homage to wind music.
The instrumentation follows the formation recommended by the All Japan Band Association for wind band competition test pieces, allowing for performances by both smaller ensembles and full-sized wind bands.
