Four Personalities

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Four Personalities was commissioned by David Saltzman and the Bowling Green State University tuba and euphonium ensemble in 2019. The work consists of four movements, each one representing a different personality or affection:

I. Empathetic – Lush and peaceful, this movement represents someone who always there to help and comfort others, even if it is at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. The first euphonium is featured with a plaintive introductory first melody and an emotion-driven second one that soars above the ensemble.

II. Twisted – A more cynical and maniacal section that blazes along with an aggressive main motive in mixed meter and winding rhythmic passages that snake throughout the ensemble. This movement represents the worst of humanity.

III. Pleasant – A meditative, Debussy-inspired tuba solo, this movement represents a thoughtful, kind, and patient individual. Lightly scored quintal and quartal accompaniment set the scene for the solo tuba, which provides easy-going and contemplative melodic lines that fluctuate between an introspective, quieter mindset and a more extroverted and welcoming one.

IV. Night Owl – Consisting of a rhythmically driven fast introduction, a rapid-fire dance featuring the first euphonium, a slower, reflective section with additive texture, and a return to the dance material, this final movement represents the hyper insomniac who goes for joyrides at 3:00 AM on the empty, misty city streets.