“Bystander” by Ari R. Cross is a new, original composition made for a full symphony orchestra ensemble, with potential arrangement for string orchestra. This piece is difficulty grade 5, meaning it is tailored towards skilled high school ensembles, honor groups and/or college level ensembles.
Program Notes
“If you could think of one word that is the active cause of the detrimental future of our society and our planet as a whole, what word would come to mind? One good answer could be "consumerism." With an atonal key, abnormal/overlapping phrasing and rough harmonies packed tight, "Bystander" takes you on a rather despairing and tense journey through what our Earth may sound like if we continue down our current path of consumerism--although a dark tone, "Bystander" provides a heavy approach to what musical expression really means, and could offer up a great closer to your orchestra concert!”
Ari thought to make this piece as “un-music-theory” as possible to represent a rebellious nature towards how our society works in regard to rules, given that us following the rules has resulted in such a path that we may not be able to come back from. Overall, while the nature of this piece is rather gruesome, it doesn’t make it any less true, and to be aware of the situation while putting it in a new format, such as music, might be a step in the right direction.
Instrumentation
Flute 1, 2 — Oboe 1, 2 — Clarinet 1, 2 — Bassoon 1, 2 — French Horn 1, 2 — Trumpet 1, 2 — Trombone 1, 2 — Tuba — Violin 1, 2 — Viola — Cello — Contrabass String
“Bystander” by Ari R. Cross is a new, original composition made for a full symphony orchestra ensemble, with potential arrangement for string orchestra. This piece is difficulty grade 5, meaning it is tailored towards skilled high school ensembles, honor groups and/or college level ensembles.
Program Notes
“If you could think of one word that is the active cause of the detrimental future of our society and our planet as a whole, what word would come to mind? One good answer could be "consumerism." With an atonal key, abnormal/overlapping phrasing and rough harmonies packed tight, "Bystander" takes you on a rather despairing and tense journey through what our Earth may sound like if we continue down our current path of consumerism--although a dark tone, "Bystander" provides a heavy approach to what musical expression really means, and could offer up a great closer to your orchestra concert!”
Ari thought to make this piece as “un-music-theory” as possible to represent a rebellious nature towards how our society works in regard to rules, given that us following the rules has resulted in such a path that we may not be able to come back from. Overall, while the nature of this piece is rather gruesome, it doesn’t make it any less true, and to be aware of the situation while putting it in a new format, such as music, might be a step in the right direction.
Instrumentation
Flute 1, 2 — Oboe 1, 2 — Clarinet 1, 2 — Bassoon 1, 2 — French Horn 1, 2 — Trumpet 1, 2 — Trombone 1, 2 — Tuba — Violin 1, 2 — Viola — Cello — Contrabass String
