La Vita (Complete Show)
by Yasuhide Ito, arr. by Nikk Pilato
Yasuhide Ito’s Symphony No. 1, La Vita, is a challenging work in many aspects, not the least of which is his unconventional harmonic language, blending Western and Eastern tonality effortlessly. The first part focuses on the first movement of the symphony, opening with thunderous percussion and a relentless rhythm, giving way to the main theme, alternating brass and woodwind choirs, an opportunity for a percussion solo, and a heart-pounding finale. Part Two focuses on the second and third movements of Ito's work, with a hint of the melody from Part I, opportunities for solos and drum fills, and a brilliant finale.
One of the most challenging aspects of this work is his use of the neutral key score…in other words, no use of key signature (although the score is not in C). This tends to force many more sharps than flats in the particular mode Ito chose, which seems to be a struggle for many young players. I feel that not only can La Vita be a powerful and exciting show; it can also serve to teach musical lessons. Young musicians will often balk at the use of sharp notes; this is a chance to embrace the concept of enharmonics. Once young band students realize that a D# = Eb and a G# = Ab, etc., the music-making process falls into place. This exciting and fast-paced composition is an advanced marching show arrangement, and should only be tackled by bands with plenty of great musicians with a willingness to work. This show was commissioned by the J.P. Taravella High School Marching Trojans; Coral Springs, Florida for their 2004 Marching Season.
These arrangements are used by Permission of Bravo Music Inc.
For an audio sample of Part One (MIDI), please click 
For an audio sample of Part Two (MIDI), please click
Details
Catalog#: NN04-005 (Full Show)
Duration: 7:30
Difficulty: Advanced
Instrumentation:
Flute/Piccolo
Clarinet I-II-III
Alto Sax I-II
Tenor Sax
Trumpet I-II-III
Mellophone I-II
Tenor I-II-III (includes Trombone and Euphonium)
Basses
Timpani
Mallets
FULL SET: $270.00 (includes shipping)
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