Austin Symphonic Band Performing Over the Moon

Video and Sound Production: Eddie Jennings

From the program notes written by David Cross:

Over the Moon (2023)
Frank Ticheli (b. 1958)

Program note by the composer:
Much as in the epic tales of Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon and George Méliès's iconic 1902 film A Trip to the Moon, I sought to take the listener on a brief musical voyage Over the Moon. At the start, the listener rides down a steep slide to the surface of the moon. At once a tango-like dance, glittery and light as silk, swims through the air. Instrumental solos appear and disappear like the characters of a story.

Suddenly the dance takes a on forbidding quality—plunger-muted growls appear as the work propels itself forward. Perhaps this is the dark side of the moon. Lines intermingle, the work lifts itself: Over the Moon, in joyful exuberance.

At the halfway mark, there is a brief respite, as if looking forward toward the peaceful blue planet: a hymn to life, to the Earth, the Moon, and towards the boundless energy of the Universe. A lone clarinet connects us to the return of the dance, reaching ever higher and brighter. A triumphant climax is suddenly quashed by a steep slide, back down to life on Earth.

Listen for:
• An unsettling but groovy shift of meter as the band goes from 8/8 (3+3+2) to 10/8 (3+3+2+2)
• A rich tapestry of instrumental colors provided by soloists and imaginative combinations of instruments.

[raewooten]

I see 👀 you. That was amazing! I HAVE to get out to see you guys play sometime. 🤩

[joedusse]

Amazing a/v work as always Eddie...while I was playing, I was watching Frank's face while he was conducting. He was like a little kid having such a blast....the joy on his face...I'll never forget it.

[johnbodnar]

Jana pounding the bass drum from 9:12 to the end might just be my favorite part of the video 😁