Description

As the title piece of our recording The Thompson Fields, this piece was commissioned through ArtistShare by Christophe Asselineau. It was inspired by the view from atop a silo on the Thompson farm, outside of Windom, MN. The piece evokes the landscape of southwest Minnesota – the first solo (the piano) evoking memories, stories and ghosts of generations blowing in the wind over the waving green bean fields. The effect should be a sort of bitonal Ives-ian effect. The second solo on guitar has a general midwest/prairie, slightly rock, vibe. These were played by Frank Kimbrough and Lage Lund on the album.

This piece has passed through several versions, and I am including a video of the premiere with Ben Monder, in case you want to try featuring guitar throughout.

"The Thompson Fields" requires improvisers (guitar and piano) who are willing to think outside of traditional jazz language – thinking coloristically. The piece is largely rubato, so we've included a video where Maria shows exactly how she conducts the piece.

REED DETAILS:

1. soprano, flute (or alto flute, opt.)
2. clarinet, flute
3. tenor
4. tenor
5. bass clarinet (throughout)

See full selection of Scores & Parts, categorized by difficulty, doubles, and solos.