Prelude and Flight is a work of contrasting moods. The prelude is somber and molto serioso, but the mood of the “flight” lifts gradually over time as the darkly romantic music transforms into buoyant frivolity.
When commissioned to compose a work for high school violinist and wind ensemble, I considered the difficulties I've faced as a conductor balancing winds with strings. Just a pair of winds can easily overpower the sound of several violins, so the composer must consider balance carefully. My solution was to feature the violin frequently without accompaniment in the prelude. In the fast music (flight), I followed the old masters' approach in the Baroque and Classical era concerti, and feature the solo violin mainly in episodes of chamber music alternating with episodes of full ensemble.
I was honored to compose Prelude and Flight for the King Kekaulike High School Wind Ensemble in Pukulani, Hawaii, Casey Nagata, director, and to conduct the premiere performance at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on April 8, 2014 with violinist Kisa Urodoma.
