Herb Gellis

Hymn for Strings

InstrumentationString orchestra (or quintet)
Length7 minutes
DifficultyRelatively easy - is moderate paced, with some contrapuntal accents, and a cello solo.
CommentsA tonal, yearning work for strings. Although I am usually fond of light chromaticism off a key center I forced myself to write this "in C" - or at least with no key signature and no accidentals, ending in C major chords.
SourcesAvailable for purchase from the publisher
Harmonic Services Group
3604 Kearney Cove
Round Rock, TX 78681
(737) 212-8474
http://harmonicservicesgroup.com
ExtrasPerusal score and sample audio are available from the publisher. Also, website with MP3 audio: http://harmonicservicesgroup.com/c/herbgellis/
HistoryPremiered by the strings of the Hewlett-Packard Symphony Orchestra in May 2002.
Contributorthe composer
Other(ASCAP composition)

Duplex

Instrumentation1+1.2.2+1.2-2.2.2.1 timps, perc(3) [includes xylophone, chimes], strings
[oboe 2 optionally doubles on English horn]
Length10:20
DifficultyModerate
CommentsThis is a tonal work in my typical lightly chromatic style, with a tendency towards middle-eastern feeling, and organized in basically sonata-allegro format capped by double introductions and codas. Duplex, however, will have the feel of a series of variations, as the sections use rhythmic variations as their main (though not sole) means of alteration of the melodies. One finds strong melodies, rhythms, and atmosphere throughout, as well as solos for most sections of the orchestra.

The title and first subject are taken from a "secret" technological source and the piece explores many aspects of the word "duplex", obvious and obscure, of both musical and extra-musical origin. In fact, both subjects are duplex melodies themselves containing a rhythmic part underneath and a melodic part on top. Each is treated together and apart and in different guises and combinations.

SourcesAvailable for purchase from the publisher
Harmonic Services Group
3604 Kearney Cove
Round Rock, TX 78681
(737) 212-8474
http://harmonicservicesgroup.com
ExtrasPerusal score and sample audio are available from the publisher. Also, website with MP3 audio: http://harmonicservicesgroup.com/c/herbgellis/
HistoryOriginally premiered by the Hewlett-Packard Symphony Orchestra in May 2000, this is a new (modified) edition for 2002.
Contributorthe composer
Other(ASCAP composition)

Allegro Sauvage, for timpani and orchestra

Instrumentation2+1.2.2.2 - 4.3.3.1 timp,perc(4),str
Length6:40
DifficultyModerate to Hard. Mostly in 7/4 with mixed meter. The timpani is more an obbligato than a soloistic part and only 3 timpani are used.
CommentsA highly rhythmic, dark and driven work pitting the "evil Sauvage" (7/4 theme heard immediately on timpani) vs. the protagonist (theme heard initially on oboe). The "Sauvage" parries and thrusts, both parties remonstrate, and ultimately the protagonist will have no more of the "Sauvage". This was re-written in 2007, new material added, etc.
SourcesAvailable for purchase from the publisher
Harmonic Services Group
3604 Kearney Cove
Round Rock, TX 78681
(737) 212-8474
http://harmonicservicesgroup.com
ExtrasPerusal score and sample audio are available from the publisher. Also, website with MP3 audio: http://harmonicservicesgroup.com/c/herbgellis/
HistoryThe original was premiered by the Hewlett-Packard Symphony Orchestra in May 1998 for their fifth anniversary and to commemorate obtaining their own timpani. Also performed by the West Coast Symphony (Vancouver B.C.) conducted by Clyde Mitchell, with added timpani solo written by the timpanist. The revised version also premiered by the HPSO, Spring 2007.
Contributorthe composer
Other(ASCAP composition)

Short Symphony on Eastern Modes

Instrumentation2+1.2*.2.2 - 4.3.3.1 timp,perc(2),str
English horn part is cued for others if not available; the essence of the work could also be performed with slightly smaller forces.
Length17.5 minutes
DifficultyModerate, with occasional little bits of higher difficulty, particularly amongst the numerous solo wind and brass bits.
CommentsA short symphony in a typical four movement format, however all movements are attacca. Off a base of C harmonic-minor, Eastern modes and scales are utilized throughout, notably the arabic Nawa athar maqam family. The last movement's motivic material comes from fragments of the (Israeli national anthem) Hatikvah's melody, particularly the opening rising phrase, and a larger battery of modes is used than in preceding movements. Detailed program notes are included in the score and may be freely used. The movements are (with approximate timings):

Allegro Moderato (4:00)
Grave (4:30)
Scherzo (2:30)
Finale (6:30)
SourcesAvailable for purchase from the publisher
Harmonic Services Group
3604 Kearney Cove
Round Rock, TX 78681
(737) 212-8474
http://harmonicservicesgroup.com
Extrasmp3's and perusal scores can be made available. Sample audio is on the publisher's website.
HistoryWritten during the Spring and Summer of 2005, performed by the Hewlett-Packard Symphony in the Fall of 2005, the South Bay Philharmonic in 2013, the St. Edwards Orchestra in 2013, and the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland in 2015.
Contributorthe composer
Other

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