An American in Valencia is trumpet concerto in three movements in a Spanish style suggesting the grand gestures of bull fighting. The trumpet soloist portrays a toreador and slender of the corrida. The first movement represents the entrance of the toreador with all of the fanfare and showmanship as he bows to the audience. The second movement is a love song in waltz tempo. The third movement starts with the raging bull coming out of its corral, ready for the fight. The trumpet soloist is able to contain the bull with dashing melodic figures and a cadenza leading to the final bow in victory. It is scored for Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Bassoons, Eb Clarinet (optional), 3 Clarinets, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Eb Contralto Clarinet (optional), 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Cornets, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 4 Horns in F, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, 2 Euphoniums, Tuba, Solo Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (4 players) – Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Orchestra Bells, Gong, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Harp, Piano and Double-bass.
Premiere
May 22,1999 by Filharmonica de La Alcudia, Woody English, Tumpet Soloist
Commissioned by
US Army Band “Pershing’s Own”Col. Gary Lamb, Commander
Awards
the American Prize 2016 Band Music Composition Finalist