A Drop of Golden Sun

A colorful showpiece for winds inspired by different qualities of light.

Listen to a clip from the Wind Ensemble version, Mvt. II - “Neon”:

Listen to a clip from the combined Flute Choir & Clarinet Choir version, Mvt. I - "Dawn":

Awards
First Prize — Atlanta Clarinet Association Composition Contest (2004)

Commissioned by the Gannon University Flute Choir (Erie, PA), cond. Holly Sydow – 2002.

Premiere Performances
• Flute Choir version — Gannon University Flute Choir (Erie, PA), cond. Holly Sydow — 10/19/03
• Wind Ensemble version — Eastman School of Music students (Rochester, NY), cond. Chappell Kingsland — 5/3/03
• Flute Choir & Clarinet Choir version — Atlanta Clarinet Association & Atlanta Flute Club (Atlanta, GA), cond. Dr. Scott Stewart — 3/27/04

About the Music
A Drop of Golden Sun is inspired by different qualities of light.  "Dawn" evokes the peaceful awakening of a new day, with long sustained chords breathing in and out, lively melodic fragments passing between instruments in different ranges.  "Neon" suggests the frenetic pulsation of electrical current, some cycles with torrents of notes, others looping in one spot.  "Moonlight" is a melancholy melody sung to the beauty of the full moon.  "Radiance" sets yearning melodies over shimmering accompanimental textures. 

Duration: 13 minutes (four movements)
Difficulty: Advanced. The piece has been performed by conservatory students and community ensembles.

Available Versions

Flute Choir (13+ players)
5 soloists — 2 Flutes, Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Contrabass Flute (may substitute a different low instrument)
8 section parts — Flutes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, Alto, Bass

Flute Choir & Clarinet Choir (17+ players)
Flutes: 5 soloists (Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute) and 3 section parts (Flutes 1–3)
Clarinets: 5 soloists (Eb, Bb, A, Bass, Contrabass) and 4 section parts (Clarinets 1–4)

Wind Ensemble (15+ players)
3 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, 2 Tenor Saxes, 3 Bassoons