Checkmate - for Concert Band (2023)
Checkmate - for Concert Band (2023)
Difficulty: Easy - Ideal for middle school ensembles (Grade 2)
Duration: c. 3’09”
Revel in a game of chess with this regal and gallant piece for mid-level young ensembles. Checkmate is a perfect opportunity to showcase your ensemble’s sense of musicality and balance, with an interesting but achievable mix of interesting rhythms and unique Dorian harmony.
Checkmate features a key of G minor (two flats) with concert E naturals for the Dorian harmony, and F sharps.
Score and parts are 9x12 PDFs that can be scaled and printed to 8.5x11 and will be delivered digitally.
Listen to Checkmate:
Instrumentation
Flute 1 and 2
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet in Bb 1 and 2
Bass Clarinet in Bb
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in Bb 1 and 2
Horn in F
Trombone
Euphonium B.C.
Tuba
Timpani
Glockenspiel
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Crash Cymbals
Tam-tam
Triangle
Tambourine
Program Notes
Inspired by the imagination-inducing game with the cast of kings, queens, knights, and bishops in a game of chess with this regal and gallant piece for concert band. Checkmate features a mix of interesting rhythms and unique Dorian harmony. The Dorian mode is a harmonic staple of the Renaissance period that was used in much of the music written at the time. Enjoy the personas represented by the chess pieces on the board through music with Checkmate!
