Out of Nowhere
As a title, “Out of Nowhere” is typically self-deprecating; the UST Symphonic Wind Ensemble in fact heralds from St. Paul, Minnesota and is, indeed, recognized as one of the finest bands in the field. Continuing its project of recording music from the vast commissions the ensemble has accrued, this album (the second in its innova series) represents some of the finest wind band music from England, Germany and Armenia.
From the starting gate, “Infernal Ride” is a fearsomely virtuosic work that barely eases up at the end. British composer Kenneth Hesketh compares it to Ichabod Crane’s final ride in Irving’s story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.
The title track “Out of Nowhere” by German Rolf Rudin sets out to tell the Irish mythical tale of an ancient kingdom coming to Ireland from the heavens to rule for generations. The work draws the listener into the story of mystery, magic, love, and war.
“Mass of St. Thomas Aquinas” by renowned British composer Martin Ellerby combines the forces of the symphonic wind ensemble with a vocal ensemble. The result is a multi movement work of intense color, emotion and sparkle.
Another well-known British composer in the wind band world is Philip Sparke. His “Deserts” is a musical evocation of a desert – it could be sand, ice or extra-terrestrial – and explores the paradox of danger combined with awesome natural beauty.
Armenian composer Loris Chobanian has written “Armenian Rhapsody” for the unusual combo of solo guitar and wind band. It is not your typical folk song arrangement; rather it combines many fragments of Armenian folk tunes under different themes.
The UST Symphonic Wind Ensemble is again under the direction of Matthew George. “Out of Nowhere”, like the ensemble, is going places.
