Composer

:

Samuel R. Hazo

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Band Music

Compose Date

:

2002

Average_duration

:

3:32

'Ride' is a band music composition by Samuel R. Hazo, an American composer and music educator. The piece was composed in 2003 and premiered by the Michigan State University Wind Symphony in the same year. 'Ride' is a single-movement piece that is approximately five minutes long. The composition is written for a standard concert band instrumentation, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The piece is characterized by its driving rhythms, energetic melodies, and dynamic contrasts. The piece begins with a rhythmic ostinato in the percussion section, which sets the tempo and establishes the driving pulse of the piece. The woodwinds and brass then enter with a series of syncopated melodies that build in intensity and complexity. The piece features several contrasting sections, including a lyrical middle section that provides a brief respite from the energetic opening and closing sections. One of the most distinctive features of 'Ride' is its use of percussion. The piece features a wide variety of percussion instruments, including snare drums, bass drums, cymbals, and mallet percussion. The percussion section is often featured prominently in the composition, providing rhythmic support and adding to the overall energy and excitement of the piece. Overall, 'Ride' is a dynamic and exciting piece of band music that showcases Hazo's skill as a composer. The piece has become a popular choice for concert bands and has been performed by ensembles around the world. Its driving rhythms and energetic melodies make it a crowd-pleaser, while its use of percussion and dynamic contrasts make it a challenging and rewarding piece for performers.

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