Austin Symphonic Band Performing El Camino Real by Alfred Reed

Описание: Austin Symphonic Band. April 3, 2016, concert at Austin ISD Performing Arts Center in Austin TX. ASB performing El Camino Real by Alfred Reed. Music Director Richard Floyd conducting. Concert title: "Music of the Americas". Audio recording by On Site Digital, Randy Bryant owner.

From the concert program (program notes written by David Cross):

El Camino Real (1985)
Alfred Reed (1921–2005)

From the composer: "El Camino Real" (literally “The Royal Road” or “The King’s Highway”) was commissioned by, and is dedicated to, the 581st Air Force Band and its Commander, Lt. Col. Ray E. Toler. It bears the subtitle: “A Latin Fantasy.”

"The music is based on a series of chord progressions common to countless generations of Spanish flamenco (and other) guitarists. These progressions and the resulting key relationships have become practically synonymous with what we feel to be the true Spanish idiom.

"The first section of the music is based on the dance form known as the Jota, while the second, contrasting section is derived from the Fandango but here altered considerably in both time and tempo from its usual form. Overall, the music follows a traditional three-part pattern: fast-slow-fast."

Alfred Reed is beloved among concert band musicians. Among over 200 published works, classic compositions from his pen include: "Russian Christmas Music" (his first work for band, 1944); "Armenian Dances" (1972); and "The Hounds of Spring" (1981). A meticulous craftsman, he is known for his colorful and lush orchestrations. He was born in New York and began his formal music training at the age of 10. During World War II he served in the 529th Army Air Force Band. Following his military service he attended the Juilliard School of Music, studying under Vittorio Giannini, after which he was staff composer and arranger first for NBC, then for ABC. In 1953 he became the conductor of the Baylor Symphony Orchestra at Baylor University where he received his B.M. in 1955 and his M.M. in 1956.

Of his more memorable quotes while teaching music business courses are: “You can’t give away what you are trying to sell and expect to stay in business,” and “I am the second most published composer next to J.S. Bach.” At the time of his death, he had composition commissions that would have taken him to the age of 115.