Stargazer
Work Details
Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flutes 1 & 2
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinets 1, 2 & 3 in B-flat
Bass Clarinet in B-flat
Alto Saxophones 1 & 2 in E-flat
Tenor Saxophone in B-flat
Baritone Saxophone in E-flat
Trumpets 1 & 2 in B-flat
Horns 1 & 2 in F
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Bass Guitar or Double Bass
Timpani
Percussion 1
kit (hi-hat, snare drum, kick bass, crash cymbal, ride cymbal, w/sticks + mallets)
Percussion 2
snare drum (brushes and sticks), tam-tam, cymbals, vibraphone, triangle
Percussion 3
glockenspiel, china cymbal, bass drum, sleigh bells, xylophone
Duration
7 minutes
Stargazer
for concert band
Premiere: 22 June 2024
Auckland Wind Orchestra, conductor Andrew Uren
Matariki Festival
Devonport Ferry Terminal, Auckland
Programme Note
This piece is a tribute to New Zealand astronomer and Pakuranga resident Jennie McCormick who, from her observatory overlooking the Tamaki Estuary, has made celestial discoveries, both on her own and as part of international efforts.
Referenced in the piece are the mysterious worlds of exoplanets, an asteroid's lonely journey around our solar system, and a binary stars with an orbiting planet. Also referenced is the technique of gravitational lensing in which the bending of light around large bodies informs us of what lies beyond.
Other Links
The Sounz website for further information and score purchase.
Interview with Jennie McCormick on Radio New Zealand.