Scores

Thompson Fields (The)

Score & Parts, Downloadable

Duration 10:00 $120.00

Reed Doubles

  1. Fl., Sop.
  2. Fl., Cl.
  3. Bs. Cl.

Solos

Solo feature for piano and guitar.

Instrumentation

5 reed, 4 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 bass trombone, accordion (optional, but recommended), guitar, piano, bass, and drums

The offer contains

  • Downloadable PDF Score & Parts for "The Thompson Fields"
  • Streamed video with Maria discussing conducting tips for this piece
  • Streamed video of the premiere (featuring guitar on entire piece)
  • Photo gallery with pictures taken of the Thompson fields in Windom, MN, the inspiration behind the composition
  • Video tour through Windom, taken when Maria's band arrived on the bus there to perform
  • Downloadable MP3 version of track mixed without solos for practice
  • MP3 version mixed with rhythm only

Description

As the title piece of our recording The Thompson Fields, this piece was commissioned through ArtistShare by Christophe Asselineau. It was inspired by the view from atop a silo on the Thompson farm, outside of Windom, MN. The piece evokes the landscape of southwest Minnesota – the first solo (the piano) evoking memories, stories and ghosts of generations blowing in the wind over the waving green bean fields. The effect should be a sort of bitonal Ives-ian effect. The second solo on guitar has a general midwest/prairie, slightly rock, vibe. These were played by Frank Kimbrough and Lage Lund on the album.

This piece has passed through several versions, and I am including a video of the premiere with Ben Monder, in case you want to try featuring guitar throughout.

"The Thompson Fields" requires improvisers (guitar and piano) who are willing to think outside of traditional jazz language – thinking coloristically. The piece is largely rubato, so we've included a video where Maria shows exactly how she conducts the piece.

REED DETAILS:

  1. soprano, flute (or alto flute, opt.)
  2. clarinet, flute
  3. tenor
  4. tenor
  5. bass clarinet (throughout)

See full selection of Scores & Parts, categorized by difficulty, doubles, and solos.