Review

William D. Pardus
Ocean State Fanfare:
brass choir and timpani

Marlborough, NH, United States
Publisher: Creation Station
Date of Publication: 2006

score and parts

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

William D. Pardus is Professor Emeritus of Music at Keene State College in New Hampshire. Ocean State Fanfare was composed in 2006 for the Dallas Wind Symphony fanfare competition. It is scored for three B-flat trumpets, four horns, three trombones, euphonium, tuba, and timpani. Cast in B-flat major, instrument ranges are appropriate for an intermediate brass choir. The ABA form piece opens with a conventional fanfare theme followed by a contrasting lyrical section. Large sections of unison and parallel motion prevail. Austere harmonization creates an overall lack of depth and interest in the piece.  

-Patrick Lawrence
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point