Inferno

Inferno
for orchestra
or saxophone ensemble

Full Orchestra
String Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
Vocal
Chamber
Solo Instrumental
Saxophone Compositions

Inferno describes the famous fate of the Phoenix bird - its death and rebirth by fire. It begins with a frenzied build that yields to a moto perpetuo theme of running 16th notes, ducking and dodging and heating up. Eventually, it explodes into a rhythmically charged section, punctuated by various percussive sounds and a syncopated interplay between many individuals in the ensemble. The running moto perpetuo idea returns after a sizzling encounter with growls and tongue slaps, and proceeds to a massive chorale. From this point until the end, the music swirls and burns as the Phoenix bird is engulfed in an out-of-control blaze of glory.

Duration: ca 5'

Orchestra Instrumentation

1 Piccolo, 1 Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bassoons
4 Horns in F, 3 Trumpets in C, 3 Trombones, 1 Tuba
Timpani, 3 Percussion
Piano/Celesta, Strings

Saxophone Ensemble Instrumentation

2 Soprano Saxophones
2 Alto Saxophones
2 Tenor Saxophones
2 Baritone Saxophones
1 Bass Saxophone (or a 3rd Baritone Saxophone)
Any parts may be doubled

Watch Inferno performed by the Florida State University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Aaron King Vaughn on February 2, 2019

You may download a sample of the saxophone ensemble score in case the embedded score below is difficult to see or does not display.

If you are interested in performing the orchestral version of Inferno, please contact me to arrange a rental. To purchase the saxophone ensemble version, it is available from Murphy Music Press.