Flambeaux

Flambeaux were the torchbearers in the annual night parades during Mardi Gras who provided the only illumination for the floats in the days before streetlights. Modern flambeaux carry on the tradition, trudging down the streets with their heavy naphtha-fueled torches. This piece depicts the procession of the flambeaux with fiery tremolo, exotic percussive effects, and modal melodies that lumber along like the torchbearers on a dark spring night. Students will benefit from exploring rhythmic challenges, low first-finger notes, and special effects, while audiences will enjoy the vivid imagery of this piece. Flambeaux is sure to add fire to any concert program.