Baritone voice and:
Trumpet in C: could be substituted by:
Soprano Saxophone in Bb, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Violin, Viola
Trombone: could be substituted by:
Bass Clarinet in Bb, Baritone Saxophone in Eb, Cello
Bass Clarinet in Bb: could be substituted by:
Baritone Saxophone in Eb, Cello
First performance by loadbang — Ty Bouque, baritone, Andy Kozar, trumpet, William Lang, trombone, Adrian Sandi, bass clarinet — on 21 June 2026 at Longy School of Music in Pickman Concert Hall, Cambridge, MA.
Duration: 4 minutes (Two optional shorter duration versions are clearly marked in the score: 2’45”and 3’15”)
In Greek mythology, Calliope ('beautiful-voiced') is the Muse who presides over eloquence and epic poetry, so-called from the ecstatic harmony of her voice. Calliope is usually shown with a writing tablet in her hand.
To show off the virtuosity, auras, modes, and depths of loadbang’s craft and skill, across this fanfare’s four-minute duration, the musical materials are kaleidoscopic. Auras, at once dramatic, vivid, sparkling, passionate, expressive, lyrical, floating, and rhythmic, are interlaced. The voice—an embodiment of the Muse—sings only in vowels, the wordless vocalise of poetry’s transcendent ineffability announcing its great mystery.
CALLIOPE’S MAGIC FANFARE was commissioned by loadbang and dedicated with admiration and gratitude to loadbang.
It is difficult to express how grateful I am to the extraordinary colleagues who have made possible this commission and world premiere. Thank you all.
The world premiere, performed by loadbang, took place on 21 June 2026 at Longy School of Music in Pickman Concert Hall, Cambridge, MA.
OPTIONAL TO INCLUDE A.R.T.’S DOODLE OF THE MAP OF FORM AND AURA
To obtain examination or performance material for this
Augusta Read Thomas work, please contact Nimbus Music Publishing.
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