Update Title: 1E61F9DB-4B85-4628-9BE4-BBCFD6A4608B

ID

Titlecode

Title Name

Marketing Copy

Instrumentation

Commission

Dedication

Program Notes

Pacific Rim was originally composed in 1988 for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the
present version for wind ensemble was made in 2010 for H. Robert Reynolds and the University
of Southern California Thornton Wind Ensemble. It is very much a reflection of how certain
aspects of Asian and Latin-American musics have filtered into my mind and become transformed
and absorbed into my compositional thought. The piece is in two linked sections, and may be
simply described as a processional and fugue.
The processional moves at a brisk, march-like tempo, but with the primary emphasis on the
unfolding of this melody rather than the tread of its rhythm. It opens with a high, floating chord
reminiscent of the sonority of Japanese gagaku music. Double reeds enter, stating the basic
melodic idea of the processional which then unfolds in alternation with refrains dominated by
trumpets. The other instruments interact with the melody in clearly defined roles, helping to
articulate details of the melody's structure. When the final refrain reaches its culmination, the
processional rounds a corner, leaving behind a quietly rising cloud of chords.
The second part begins with a solo for tuned cowbells. This is the start of the fugue, one that is, in
contrast to the first part, primarily concerned with rhythmic energy. The fugue subject is
presented three times, leading eventually to a climax that borrows its harmonic basis from the
processional. Shortly thereafter, the fugue too rounds a corner, leaving behind distant fragments.
Soft gong strokes usher in a pair of slow phrases as something of a benediction before returning
to the fast pace of the finale. The brass burst in with one last statement of the fugue subject and
the piece comes to a boisterous conclusion.
Stephen Hartke

Title Brand

Year Composed

Copyright Number

Copyright Year

Duration

Ensemble Size

Date Created

Date Updated

Inhouse Note

Bsc Code

Text Author

Premier Performance Memo

Recording Credits

Review

Awards

Title Category

Title Movements

Title Grade

Set Series ID

Title Instrument Category Text

Title Sub Category Text

Title Sub Category

Title Instrument Header

Title Grade Text

Clean Url