David P. Sartor


Portent and Apotheosis (revised 2000)

Instrumentation3 Fl (3rd also plays Picc), 2 Ob, Eng Hn, 2 Bb Clns, Bb Bass Cln, 2 Bsns, Cbsn, 4 Hns, 3 Bb Tpts, 2 Tbns, Bass Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 4 Perc (or 3 - see below), Piano, Strings
Length13 minutes
DifficultySemiprofessional to professional
CommentsPortent and Apotheosis offers an emotional and colorful journey which springs from a "portent" motto found in the opening five measures of the work. In the tradition of Bela Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra the motto and a derived primary theme are explored in a continuously unfolding development of both timbre and motive, painted in exotic textures that include piccolo and contrabassoon solos and even an extended tuba cadenza. The piece employs an eclectic palette ranging from the pointillistic to the lyrical, and should be appreciated by all audiences.
SourcesSet using Finale and available from the composer:
Web site: http://davidsartor.com
Email: dsartor@davidsartor.com
See expanded Program Notes at http://davidsartor.com/PORTENT.html
ExtrasA version using only three percussionists is also available.
HistoryUnpremiered. Recommended by Daniel Asia and Jo Ann Falletta.
ContributorDavid P. Sartor
Other

Metamorphic Fanfare

InstrumentationLarge Orchestra - Picc, 2 Fls, 2 Obs, 2 Bb Clns, 2 Bsns, 4 Hns, 3 Bb Tpts, 2 Tbns, Bass Tbn, Tuba, Timp, 3 Perc, Strings
Length2:40
DifficultyModerate
CommentsThe piece was commissioned by Kirk Trevor and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra in celebration of the new millennium. The fanfare was a real crowd-pleaser, and fun to play for the orchestra as well. The Knoxville News-Sentinel review stated, "A piece with thundering percussion and heralding from the horns and brass, with shimmering connective tissue, it effectively foretold of events to come."

Metamorphic Fanfare is under three minutes in length, is tonal yet contemporary, and would be a great opener for any type of concert using a full orchestra, whether indoors or outdoors.

SourcesSet using Finale and available from the composer:
Web site: http://davidsartor.com
Email: dsartor@davidsartor.com
See expanded Program Notes at http://davidsartor.com/METAMORPHIC.html
ExtrasA study score and recording are available from the composer.
HistoryPremiered October 19-20, 2000 by Kirk Trevor and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
ContributorDavid P. Sartor, the composer
Other

Black Ball Counts Double

InstrumentationString Orchestra
Length3:50
DifficultyGood amateur to professional string orchestras.
CommentsWhen the composer was 7 years of age, his maternal grandmother presented him with a bagatelle game called Wing Shot. The object of the pinball-like game was to launch small marbles using a spring-loaded plunger, causing them to land in semicircular cups with associated point values. Across the bottom of the game was inscribed the phrase "Black Ball Counts Double." The title and concept of this single-movement work were suggested by the pleasant memories of the perpetually flying marbles and the almost mystical significance of the single black ball.

With its appealing themes, brevity, contrast and rhythmic drive, Black Ball Counts Double is an excellent opener for any string quartet recital or string orchestra concert.

SourcesPublished by Metamorphic Music and available at http://davidsartor.com/PURCHASE.html
Website: http://davidsartor.com
ExtrasProgram notes, sample score pages and sound files at http://davidsartor.com/BLACKBALL.html
HistoryThis work was honored with a "Highly Commended" award in the 2003 Oare String Orchestra's Third Annual International Music for Strings Composition Contest, England.
ContributorDavid P. Sartor, Composer (ASCAP)
Other

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