Capriccio Grande

Description

Grande is certainly an appropriate term for this new work by Carol Brittin Chambers. Her infectious rhythmic verve is on full display in what is sure to be a new standard in the young band repertoire.

Program Notes

Bob Hansen was a Texas band director who taught in the Lubbock area, then went on to teach in Hallettsville, Victoria, Roosevelt High School, and finally Flatonia. He attended high school in Schulenburg, TX, and graduated from Texas Tech University. Besides being a beloved director, he was described as an even better friend. Bob was a big character with a big personality who loved sports and loved humor! He was known for poking fun and “pushing people’s buttons,” and he even made some very funny weather videos, titling himself “Big Game Bob.” Bob was also very active in his church’s ACTS retreats, and his favorite hymn was “The Old Rugged Cross.” When writing this piece, more than anything, I wanted to capture elements of Bob’s personality and what he loved. In music, a capriccio is a type of piece that often sounds playful or humorous, and can also refer to a prank or caper. You’ll hear my use of the capriccio style with the first main theme at M.6, then later at M.10, M.25, etc. This theme is quite light and bouncy and includes some accidentals that make it sound whimsical and fun. I also wanted to pay homage to Bob’s larger-than-life personality, which explains “Grande” in the title, as well as the energetic, robust Timpani at the beginning and throughout. Finally, I decided to incorporate Bob’s favorite hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” but with a quite jovial and upbeat feeling throughout the entire piece. I hope that the audience will experience all of these emotions while listening to “Capriccio Grande” and understand what it felt like to really know Bob.