This original composition is based on a work commissioned by Tony Clements and the BCMW (the Humboldt
State U. Brass Chamber Music Workshop). The piece was written for a nonette, but Zack has carefully
streamlined it for brass quintet. This is a college/professional level arrangement and may be a bit
too demanding for some amateurs. The first movement, "Escape to Freedom" begins with a Chorale, then
moves to a percussive theme featuring the horn. Time signature squirrels back and forth between 4/4 and
7/4. The second movement, "Under the Starry Skies" is a beautiful ballad featuring the first trumpet
and can easily be played as a stand alone piece at a performance. The last movement is the most
challenging -- "The Strange Journey Home". It begins with a bluesy waltz, then moves to a tricky,
percussive up tempo 3/4. This is followed by a 5/4 section with a sweeping melody, more of the more
percussive up tempo theme, then a quirky "Carnival from Hell" section. Finally, as our hero Stupid
Kat gets close to his return, there is a "Kill Bill" inspired fight scene followed by a driving rock
ending. Running time for the entire work is about 13 minutes.
