Villanelle (Paul Dukas) by US Army Field Band & Soldiers' Chorus: Heroes

Here is a throwback, and remastering (mainly some coloring and different video sources/cameras I shot with), from a concert video of the ‪@ArmyFieldBand‬ performing Villanelle, composed by Paul Dukas, and arranged by Thomas Watts, with Sgt 1st Class TG Miller on French Horn at the Marsee Auditorium in El Camino College. Villanelle is a celebrated solo piece for horn and piano composed by Paul Dukas around 1905 and first published in 1906. It was written as a demanding examination piece (morceau de concours) for the Paris Conservatoire at the request of director Gabriel Fauré. Despite its technical rigors, the work is renowned for its refreshing melodies and remains one of the most popular pieces in the horn repertoire. The piece is unique because it was composed during a transitional period when the Conservatoire was shifting from natural horns to valve horns. Consequently, the score requires the performer to demonstrate mastery of both: Natural Horn Techniques: The opening features fanfare-like passages played "sans les pistons" (without valves), utilizing hand-stopping techniques to alter pitch and tone. Valve Horn Techniques: Later sections demand rapid chromatic scales and virtuosic agility only possible with valves. Special Effects: The composition includes specific instructions for "echo" effects (playing muted a half-step higher to simulate distance) and varied articulations ranging from légerement (lightly) to risoluto (resolutely). Enjoy! _______________________________ Background (from armyfieldband.com): In 1946, General Jacob Devers, commander of the Army Ground Forces, commissioned Chief Warrant Officer Chester E. Whiting to “organize a band that will carry into the grassroots of our country the story of our magnificent Army, its glorious traditions and achievements.” The First Combat Infantry Band became The Army Ground Forces Band, and performed in the nation’s capital and toured extensively around the United States. The Army Ground Forces became the Army Field Forces in 1948, and consequently the band’s name was changed to The United States Army Field Band in 1950 The Soldiers' Chorus (from armyfieldband.com): The Soldiers’ Chorus, founded in 1957, is the vocal complement of the United States Army Field Band of Washington, DC. The 29–member mixed choral ensemble travels throughout the nation and abroad, performing as a separate component and in joint concerts with the Concert Band of the “Musical Ambassadors of the Army.” The chorus has performed in all fifty states, Canada, Mexico, India, the Far East, and throughout Europe, entertaining audiences of all ages. The musical backgrounds of Soldiers’ Chorus personnel range from opera and musical theatre to music education and vocal coaching; this diversity provides unique programming flexibility. In addition to presenting selections from the vast choral repertoire, Soldiers’ Chorus performances often include the music of Broadway, opera, barbershop quartet, and Americana Soldiers' Chorus. This versatility has earned the Soldiers’ Chorus an international reputation for presenting musical excellence and inspiring patriotism. Critics have acclaimed recent appearances with the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops, and the Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Nashville, and National symphony orchestras. Other notable performances include four world fairs, American Choral Directors Association conferences, music educator conventions, Kennedy Center Honors Programs, the 750th anniversary of Berlin, and the rededication of the Statue of Liberty. _______________________________ Filmed at El Camino College in Torrance, CA Equipment: Lumix G9 Lumix G7 Lumix GX85/80 Zoom H1n Lenses: 45-150mm x2 45-200mm Software: Shotcut _______________________________ #ARMY #USArmy #LiveMusic #Circus #Patriotic #USA