Ascents and Flourishes

James Lee III

2017

Brass quintet (trumpet (2), horn, trombone, tuba)

"Ascents and Flourishes" was commissioned by by Morgan State University in celebration of its sesquicentennial during the year 2017. "Ascents and Flourishes" is set in a ternary form. The work begins with an ascending figure in an emphatic manner. Then each instrument is given a chance to present ascending lines in a manner of various flourishing gestures. Once the music arrives in the middle section; B, it is more reflective and includes solos among the ensemble that grows into a descending figure that serves to eventually propel the music to the return to the opening material of the work. As the flourishes and other gestures continue to continue to grow in intensity and the excitement, the music moves into a grand climax with the last bright chord.

-James Lee III