H. Owen Reed Series ______________________________________________________
H. Owen Reed (b.1910) was born in Odessa, Missouri and retired from the faculty of Michigan State University in 1976 after 37 years of teaching. He was educated at Louisiana State University and the Eastman School of Music where he completed the Ph.D in music composition. He studied privately with Bohuslav Martinu, Aaron Copland, Roy Harris and Leonard Bernstein. He now lives in Tucson, Arizona. Perhaps his best known work La Fiesta Mexicana has become a staple of the band repertoire.
For many years his works for band were out-of-print, but are available again exclusively through Ballerbach Music.
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GRADE 4
Michigan Morn - H. Owen Reed
Taken from Reed's suite The Touch of the Earth, this work was originally published in 1987 as The Heart of the Morn. It is warm, rich, lyrical music with moving lines and a legato style. It also includes an optional mezzo soprano solo and optional SATB choral parts. Out-of-print for many years, it is available again exclusively from Ballerbach Music. Melodic and graceful.
Duration: 7' Score & Parts $95. Extra score $10.
Spiritual - H. Owen Reed
(Recording used courtesy of Mark Masters: 4186-MCD, Rutgers University Wind Ensemble, William Berz, conductor)
This is H.Owen Reed's first work for band from 1947. It represents one of the earliest attempts to incorporate elements of what was then a new jazz style called bebop into a concert work for band. Commissioned by Leonard Falcone and the Michigan State University Band it was premiered in 1947. Built on two themes, the opening is a chant-like section followed by a low brass motive which grows into a jazz influenced section and culminates with the full ensemble on the opening theme. Historically important and out-of-print for many years, it is now available again exclusively from Ballerbach Music.
Duration: 5' Score & Parts $75. Extra score $10.
"... a true gem for the modern wind ensemble. His first work for band, it was extremely progressive and has stood the test of time. It still sounds amazingly fresh with its blend of jazz and neo-romantic charm."
~ William Berz, Conductor, Rutgers University Wind Ensemble
GRADE 5
Theme and Variations - Ludwig van Beethoven/orch. H. Owen Reed
(Recording used courtesy of Klavier: K11147, Keystone Wind Ensemble, Jack Stamp, conductor)
An excellent orchestration for band from 1954 of a set of five variations on a theme from Beethoven's String Quartet No. 5 (1800).This is an artistic alternative to the typical band repertoire and it offers excellent opportunities to teach Classical style, form, counterpoint and the life of Beethoven. Beethoven's variations are beautifully suited for a colorful orchestration into the concert band medium. A rousing march is heard in the fourth variation. How many times do concert bands get to play Beethoven? A timelesss work.
"... masterfully scored for winds while retaining the quality and character of the great master's skills. This is a wonderful vehicle for wind band students to experience the music of Beethoven first hand!"
~ Jack Stamp, Conductor/Composer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Duration: 9' Score & Parts $80. Extra score $8.
Missouri Shindig - H. Owen Reed
If you're looking for a crowd pleasing country hoe-down this is it. Based on an old American square dance fiddle tune, this work is pure fun and expertly crafted with alternating woodwind and brass writing. Also includes an optional solo fiddle part for the introduction. Out-of-print for many years it is available again exclusively from Ballerbach Music.
Duration: 6' Score & Parts $90. Extra score $13.
“Reed’s ‘Missouri Shindig’ is one of the few works for band that can truly be called Americana. The flavor of Copland’s ‘Hoe-down' resonates through this charming yet challenging opus. It is a joy to perform!” ~ Stanley DeRusha, Director of Orchestral Activities, Butler University
Of Lothlorien for Wind Ensemble and Men's Chorus - H. Owen Reed
A mature late work of H. Owen Reed that emphasizes color and minimalist techniques in a lyrical tonal setting. Near the end an optional men's chorus (or taped chorus) enters on a Latin chant. A very subtle, ethereal and little known work that shimmers with impressionistic color. A good work to be programmed together with Reed's Ut Re Mi.
Duration: 7' Score & Parts $130. Extra score $20.
Renascence - H. Owen Reed
Commissioned by Mark Hindsley and the University of Illinois Band in 1958, this three-part work is based on a three note motive and is a showcase of contrapuntal writing. It is inspired by the Edna St. Vincent Millay poem. The number 5 is fundamental to the music from its 5/4 meter to the intervals used. The music builds throughout and is able to sustain the long-line so uncommon in many band works of today. Beautifully crafted, with big emotional power.
Duration: 9' Score & Parts $110. Extra score $13.
"A very attractive work by one of our most important composers. A mature ensemble will find the musical, rhythmic and technical challenges of the piece to be extremely worthwhile. It is great to have this outstanding composition back in print!”
~ John Whitwell, Director of Bands Emeritus, Michigan State University
Ut Re Mi for Wind Ensemble and Men's Chorus - H. Owen Reed
Built on a variation of the hymn to St. John the Baptist, Ut Queant Laxis, this exciting work uses contemporay notation and a men's chorus (or taped chorus) near the end singing the original Latin chant. Crisp brass punctuate and woodwind clusters build to create a sound world that is modern, yet appealing to the ear. A good work to be programmed together with Reed's Of Lothlorien.
Duration: 8' Score & Parts $130. Extra score $20.