The Angels are Screaming

Alexander Maltas

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Wind Band

2024

5 min.

Program Notes: This work for Wind Symphony is a homage to the composer Mark-Anthony Turnage’s work entitled Three Screaming Popes. The most striking element of Turnage’s piece, and what initially drew me to this work, was his ability to replicate a scream. Towards the end of his piece four visceral screams can be heard punctuating a fragile silence, leaving the listener stunned and uncertain if another is to occur. Throughout my work, I have sought to expand one of Turnage’s screams into an entire five-minute gesture. The work commences from nothing and gradually builds in frustration and agitation. Melodies become displaced and thrust into uncertain and contrasting textures. A filigree of confused scales occur at different rates simultaneously, before reaching a point of no return. All that is left is anger.
Ensemble Name: Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony