Mahoney - Sparkle from Freebirds by UPEI Wind Symphony

Sparkle, by American composer Shafer Mahoney, is a piece of music that uses rhythm, technique and colour, all without what one might term a traditional melody. It begins quietly with delicate and rapid woodwind passages that are subtly supported by a simple repeated bass line and percussion accompaniment. Families of instruments are heard throughout – flutes, clarinets, trumpets and saxophones. The piece then builds in intensity through syncopated rhythms and colourful harmonies – bringing the work to its sparkling conclusion.

The University of Prince Edward Island Wind Symphony consists of music majors, other UPEI students, and community musicians. Commissioning new compositions, featuring outstanding student and professional soloists, and showcasing masterworks of the wind band genre are all hallmarks of this ensemble.

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