Review

Alice Gomez
Fanfare for the Forgotten Empire: for brass ensemble
four horns in F, four B-flat trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, and percussion: gong and xylophone

Louisville, KY, United States
Publisher: Potenza Music Publishing
Date of Publication: 2013
URL: http://www.potenzamusic.com

Primary Genre: Brass Ensemble - 6+ brass (choir)

Composer Alice Gomez is internationally recognized for her Latino and Native American influenced compositions. Fanfare for the Forgotten Empire depicts the ancient civilizations of Mexico. The piece was written for brass and percussion due to the instruments’ similarities to the indigenous instruments of the Aztec and Maya. Fanfare for the Forgotten Empire is orchestrated for four horns in F, four B-flat trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, and percussion: gong and xylophone. The work begins with a bold introduction from the horn section, accompanied by gong and timpani. This leads to a new section, beginning with a tuba bassline, then featuring the low brass entering in a pyramid effect, adding in the trumpets and finally the horns to hear the tutti brass ensemble. The piece shifts meters between 2/2, 3/2, and 6/8. Syncopated rhythms are heard throughout, sometimes homorhythmic and other times creating a more chaotic sound through the rhythmic independence of the different brass instrument sections. Harmonies are often dissonant, building tension throughout the piece. The first trumpet part contains difficult wide leaps and ascends to concert c-sharp3. The third trombone part may be performed by either tenor or bass trombone. This is an energetic and powerful piece, great for capturing an audience’s attention at the beginning of a program. Fanfare for the Forgotten Empire is great for college-level brass ensembles, but may also be accessible to ambitious high-school ensembles looking for a challenge.

-Russell Ballenger
University of Mary