Description

Duration: 16.5 minutes

The Wizard’s Friend, written at the request of trombonist Joe Huggins, is a large-scale and challenging work for standard brass quintet which follows the structural narrative of the “Hero’s Journey.” Despite the piece being through-composed, it can be organized into four movements which are meant to aid in the progression of the narrative.

The first movement, which opens with a lyrical tuba solo, is meant to express the call to adventure. Musically, it is intended to function as an overture to the rest of the piece. Following the tuba solo is an exciting fanfare, which then gives way to a light yet naive theme peppered with darker flavors, representing the naive hero in their home village and foreshadowing the darkness to come. At the sudden metric modulation, the hero is called upon by a higher power, the purpose and scope of their journey is revealed to them as they work up the courage to set out. Following a decisive group statement of the main theme, a driving rhythmic section concludes the movement as the hero crosses the threshold of the village and begins their journey.

The second movement opens with a French horn solo, revealing that our hero, despite their bravery, is totally alone and ill-prepared for this adventure. As the horn cries out for help, the rest of the ensemble joins in which signifies the entrance of the wise mentor and helper (“the Wizard”) who will guide the hero on their journey. Throughout the movement the hero is mentored, and an unbreakable bond of friendship is formed between the two characters. The movement ends with another statement of the mentor’s theme, and the low brass play a spooky chord which provides a preview of the darkness to come.

The third movement opens with a sinister muted trumpet duet, meant to represent the cruel and evil intentions of those who would attempt to stop the hero on their journey. These voices grow stronger until the low brass comes in with a pounding syncopated riff, which is the start of a dark jazz/funk section that represents the hero battling/confronting/fleeing their tormenters. Nearing the lowest depths of the piece, previous themes are juxtaposed against the riff as our hero is reminded of their purpose. The movement closes with a surprise return of the mentor’s theme, whose wisdom helps our hero out of this place of darkness.

The fourth movement opens with a trombone solo, suggested to be played on alto trombone, which acts as a musical and narrative sigh of relief. The difficult part of the journey is over, and now begins the bumpy road back home. A new driving rhythmic motif begins, followed by an overly-carefree melodic section between the trumpets, before a crisp and fresh jaunt makes its way back towards home, where a theme from the first movement is restated. After this, our hero has second thoughts about returning to the village, is stumbling, and almost gives up, but eventually regains their courage and finishes their triumphant march home.

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEThakZBgCY