Op. 19, No. 1

Svatba!

for Wind Ensemble

“Svatba!” is a beautiful celebration of Bulgarian culture—based around a unique interpretation of a traditional Bulgarian folk song, the work captures the stark sonorities and powerful harmony of the Balkans in the context of a symphonic wind ensemble. This piece is the opening movement of a larger work called “Songs of Bulgaria.”

2023 || Advanced || ca. 3:30

  • Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Bassoons

    3 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet

    Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone

    3 Trumpets in Bb, 4 Horns in F, 3 Trombones (1 Bass Trombone), Euphonium B.C., Tuba

    String Bass

    Timpani, 5 Percussionists

Premiere: April 18th, 2024 by the Austin Community College Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Albert Lo.

Full Set: $99.99 (PDFs)
Score Only: $24.99 (PDF)

Program Notes

In my first year of college, I heard a recording of the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir singing "Kaval Sviri" from their Grammy-winning album, Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares. The haunting vocals, shifting meter, and soul-piercing harmony sparked an intense curiosity in me and broadened my perspective on composing.

Two years later, I composed my own wind band interpretation inspired by Bulgarian folk music, called Songs of Bulgaria. I wrote many original themes to complement the existing folk music, seamlessly blending American and Balkan musical styles. The final movement of my piece, "Svatba!," is based on a Macedonian folk song about a grand wedding. The movement celebrates Balkan culture, capturing the stark sonorities and powerful harmony in the context of a symphonic wind ensemble.