Under Western Skies

Under Western Skies When New Mexico trumpeter John Marchinado contacted me about writing a duo trumpet/piano piece, my immediate thought was to do something with a western flavor. Before, and often during, my writing of this piece I poured over photographs of New Mexico’s high desert areas, many that really embody the classic notion we have of “the west” (see below). The first movement, Sundown, attempts to accompany a classic western sunset. The second movement, Sunup-High Noon, opens with muted trumpets heralding the morning light. Before long we’re off on the days adventure. The urgency of the mornings ride eventually slows as we ride into a ghost town and hear 12 ominous bell tolls signaling High Noon. The trumpets begin a duel in what is a tip of the hat to western master Ennio Morricone. After reaching it’s climax we’re off again to the rousing conclusion. A big thanks to John and Brynn Marchinado for commissioning this work in its original form for 2 trumpets and piano and to Richard Stoelzel for commissioning the adaptation for 2 trumpets and wind ensemble.