ARNOLD ROSNER
COMPOSER 1945–2013

Opus 117

Three Northern Sketches (2003)

for Band

  • Ice Sculpture
  • Pastorale
  • Aurora

Duration: 12 min.

Premiere: 2004; IUP Wind Ensemble; J. Stamp

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Three Northern Sketches is a set of tone poems inspired by northern lands and climates. The jagged and powerful first movement (“Ice Sculpture”) leads to a gentle “Pastorale” in 5/8 meter. The third movement, “Aurora,” employs the technique that Rosner called “stile estatico.” In it, he used “complex cross-rhythms or cross-color overlap” to achieve “high spiritual intent.” This movement is an atmospheric evocation of the Northern Lights. (Notes by Carson Cooman)