Three Impressions

Publication Date

2025

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

College of Music & Performing Arts

Department

Music, School of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Performance

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Jeff Kirk

WELL Core Type

Cultural Wellness

SPARK Session

2-3 PM Performance in Harton Recital Hall

Presentation Type

Performance

Summary

Three Impressions is a set of three pieces composed for various trumpets and piano. The first piece, Impressions of Solitude (written for Bb trumpet and piano), is a flowing but melancholy piece in ternary form that showcases eighth note syncopation in the piano part and moving melodic lines in the trumpet part. The piece ends with a trumpet cadenza before finally settling on an unresolved dominant chord.

The second piece, Impressions of Shadows (written for mellophone/harmon muted Bb trumpet and piano), is a free-flowing jazz-like conversation between the trumpet and piano players that allows great creative liberty for the performers. Although the chords used in this piece are more traditional, the open style of the piece was heavily influenced by that of modal jazz players, especially Miles Davis. The piece is also in ternary form, built on a modified blues progression that is improvised on by the trumpet player upon the return of the A section.

The third piece, Impressions of Light (written for piccolo trumpet in A and piano), is a Baroque-style, concerto-like piece in rondo form. The piece uses the full range of the piccolo trumpet and culminates with a piccolo trumpet cadenza before the return of the theme with the piano.

Overall, Three Impressions is a journey through multiple different styles (and instruments) that begins dark and melancholy and finishes radiant and upbeat. This is reflected throughout the work in the instruments, keys, and styles represented.

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