Stifled Mind

Joshua Whited

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Wind Ensemble

2023

6 min.

Alto Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Bass Clarinet

Bass Drum

Bass Trombone

Bassoon

Clarinet

Crotales

Euphonium

Flute

Glockenspiel

Gong

Horn

Marimba

Oboe

Piano

Piccolo

Tenor Saxophone

Timpani

Trombone

Trumpet

Tuba

Vibraphone

Xylophone

More Details

Program Notes: "Stifled Mind" is a piece about composing within constraints. This piece features heavy usage of odd meter as well as polymeter: the layering of multiple meters simultaneously. In this piece, the ensemble will take a step into very mixed 7/8 meter, which rarely keeps the same subdivision throughout the piece as the "mind" (the ensemble) explores its boundaries within such odd limitations. "Stifled Mind" starts with a tame introduction with a haunting A minor melody in the marimba as more keyboard percussion join into the fray, bringing the low brass, horns, and eventually the whole ensemble into its condition. The "mind" has now been stifled, constricted to this piece's chaotic pacing as the woodwinds "freak out" into an energetic 6/8, trying to break free from being stifled before succumbing to its constraints. The mind of the ensemble is now fully sealed to its confines in the 7/8 meter. Of course, being restricted, the "mind" wants to break free, yearning for it to be released (m. 102) before finally the creativity of the "mind" starts to think within its bounds, working its strength up to deliver the first blow to its constraints in m. 126. One blow is not enough. It has yet to adapt. Brawn is not a suitable force alone. It must use thought. The "mind" must think. Its mood changes (m. 166), and it begins to contrive thought and adapt to its changes rather than try to force itself into the norm it once knew. The "mind" now starts to morph its constraints and the first demonstration of polymeter begins (m. 174) as the woodwinds begin to teter between 4/4 and 7/8 meter. All the while, the 7/8 meter is layered differently between the parts,the flutes playing in 2+2+3, 3+2+2, and even 2+3+2, the clarinets playing in a constant 2+2+3, and the bassoons and baritone saxophone play in 4/4. All on each other. The machinations of the "mind" are now in full force. It prepares its second blow to its confines, using the brass for more force. (m. 197) The "mind" cracks the box. It is breaking free finally. A voice within the "mind" finally speaks confidence in its ability. (m. 212) The 4/4 against constantly shifting 7/8 is now weaponized as the "mind" finally breaks free from its binds. (m. 251) It explosively celebrates into a fanfare dominated by the horns and the euphoniums. The "mind" is finally free. The "mind" is no longer stifled.
Recording Notes: Recording made in Musescore 4.