Alpenglow

Inspired by an optical phenomenon only visible from high altitude mountains at dawn and dusk, this double concerto for alto saxophone and tuba by Stacy Garrop—whose music is esteemed and loved among wind players—traces the sun’s daily journey over such a peak. The solo parts accumulate virtuosic animation across the work’s three movements, and eventually settle into evening stillness, when, according to the composer, the alpenglow is at its most radiant: “The earth’s atmosphere scatters the sun’s light, allowing only particular wavelengths through, and blanketing the mountains in rich hues of peach, pink, red, and purple.” A feast for the eyes becomes a feast for the ears in this imaginative and attractive work, available in scorings with wind ensemble (115-40431), piano (114-42421), and piano, timpani, and four percussionists (114-42552).