Tailwind for Woodwinds

Program Notes

Tailwind is a quick-moving piece that creates a buoyant soundscape of a swift breeze.  Originally conceived with the imagery of mechanics and machinery in mind, it quickly became a piece more interested in the fleeting motion of wind.  It is both carefree and energetic, like floating leaves in the spring air. 

This piece was commissioned by Shooting Star Ocarina, an international virtual ocarina ensemble established in the summer of 2020.  Following the traditional instrumentation of the Italian ocarina septet, SSO recently expanded to an octet adding the massive contrabass in G ocarina to the ensemble and commissioned a few pieces as a result to feature this addition to the low range. 

Instrumentation - Version for Woodwind Ensemble

This version features all of the woodwinds in a symphonic band or wind ensemble.

1 Piccolo
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Bassoons
1 Clarinet (E flat)
3 Clarinets (B flat)
1 Bass Clarinet
2 Alto Saxophones
1 Tenor Saxophone
1 Baritone Saxophone

Original Ocarina Octet

The original version of this piece is written for ocarina octet. This group consists of -

1 Soprano C
1 Soprano G
1 Alto C
1 Alto G
1 Bass C
1 Bass G
1 Contrabass C
1 Contrabass G

Ocarinas in G may be substituted for ocarinas in F as needed.  Transposed parts are available upon request.