A Festival Prelude

Alfred Reed

Composer Alfred Reed wrote: “The work was conceived … as an opening ... to establish a bright and brilliant mood throughout, with no other connotation in mind… [It] is built up entirely from one main theme and two fanfare-like figures… After an opening flourish … the main theme is presented in a sweeping unison … [The] second [theme] … builds to another statement of the main theme… After a powerful climax, the main theme is [re]stated … in a quiet, legato variation. The second fanfare figure resumes, and … the main theme is presented as a processional march, with the first fanfare as a contrapuntal accompaniment. The close is a final statement of the main theme, developed in massive brass chords to a thundering conclusion.

Alfred Reed (1921–2005) was an American neoclassical composer. Born and raised in Manhattan he was acquainted with symphonic and operatic repertoire from an early age. He played trumpet professionally in the Catskills while still in high school. During WWII he was a member of the 529th Army Air Corps Band. He studied at Juilliard and became a staff composer and arranger with NBC, then ABC. He later conducted the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, worked as a music editor, and taught at the University of Miami. He composed over 500 works for band, wind ensemble, orchestra, chorus and various chamber ensembles.

Last updated on November 17, 2022 by Palatine Concert Band