Tailwind

Program Notes

Tailwind is a quick-moving piece that creates a buoyant soundscape of a swift breeze.  Originally conceived with the imagery of mechanics and machinery in mind, it quickly became a piece more interested in the fleeting motion of wind.  It is both carefree and energetic, like floating leaves in the spring air. 

This piece was commissioned by Shooting Star Ocarina, an international virtual ocarina ensemble established in the summer of 2020.  Following the traditional instrumentation of the Italian ocarina septet, SSO recently expanded to an octet adding the massive contrabass in G ocarina to the ensemble and commissioned a few pieces as a result to feature this addition to the low range. 

Instrumentation

Ocarina Octet consisting of -

1 Soprano C
1 Soprano G
1 Alto C
1 Alto G
1 Bass C
1 Bass G
1 Contrabass C
1 Contrabass G

Ocarinas in G may be substituted for ocarinas in F as needed.  Transposed parts are available upon request.

Version for Woodwind Ensemble

In addition to the original ocarina octet, there is another version arranged for woodwind ensemble. This version features all of the woodwinds in a symphonic band or wind ensemble.

1 Piccolo
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Bassoons
1 Clarinet (E flat)
3 Clarinets (B flat)
1 Bass Clarinet
2 Alto Saxophones
1 Tenor Saxophone
1 Baritone Saxophone

“Thanks for composing this awesome work to showcase how amazing playing in an ocarina ensemble can be!”

~ Shooting Star Ocarina