Randall Standridge - Symphony no.1: A Ghost Story - Movement 1, Unquiet

My new album, "Symphony no.1: A Ghost Story" drops October 1, 2023 (not 2024! I was typing too fast), just in time for Halloween. Here's a preview...
Conductor - Randall Standridge
Ensemble - Lodge Studio Wind Ensemble
About the work:
Symphony no. 1: A Ghost Story is a symphony in four movements that follows a narrative. A composer has passed away, and the symphony is told from the point of view of his widow. The movements also loosely correlate to the Kubler-Ross stages of grief.
Movement 1: Unquiet
The first movement begins softly, establishing a mood of dread. The widow sits alone at the piano where their spouse once sat. Slowly, they play a dirge as the house creaks and comes to life around them. The unquiet spirit of the composer surfaces in a fury, wishing to be heard. A tapping is heard, morse code for “Here.” This is followed by a flurry of activity as the spirit makes its presence known, refusing to stay quietly in the grave. The first half of the first movement serves as an “overture” for the symphony, where most of the work's major themes are stated. A violent and “unquiet” development follows in the second half as a storm rages outside the house. Lighting flashes and thunder roars as the spirit struggles to be heard. This movement correlates with the “Denial” stage of grief.
Morse Code: …. . ._. . = “Here”

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

A perfect introduction to the Halloween season! Very spooky, great job! :)

[@randallstandridge]

Glad you like it!

[@OnyxINQ]

This movement, and this whole symphony is just amazing. As a trombone player it has been a very fun piece to learn.

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you. It is my favorite thing I've ever composed.

[@johnnynguyen5371]

Well I know what imma be suggesting in symphonic band absolute banger of a piece 😭😭😭

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you!

[@alexley8098]

nice quote in the beginning

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you!

[@ivyart3737]

4:10 as a clarinet player, this is my favorite moment in this piece

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you!

[@skrutten_]

I just played that part in this piece, it's a joy to have such an awesome clarinet part! And the second movement solo is so well written, I think it highlights the best register of our instrument.

[@ivyart3737]

@@skrutten_ YESSS

[@ACHistory]

PHENOMENAL work! How do you get the inspiration for new pieces? It is it like "Hmm.. how about a pirate song.. or I want to make a march!"

[@derekgmd]

This is a perfect fit for piece for Halloween. You can almost imagine the song a story. Great Job!!!

[@braedenalberstein9292]

HELL YEA!

[@mrw553]

No bass clarinet solo😢

[@randallstandridge]

The beginning of Movement 3 starts with a Contrabass Clarinet or Contrabasson solo

[@DavidKhalilov]

This feels like something in between not alone and unbroken, so will the difficulty be around Grade 4 - 5 (It sounds more complex than anything lower)?

[@randallstandridge]

Each movement is a little different in terms of difficulty. I’d say:
1st Movement: Grade 5
2nd Movement: Grade 4
3rd Movement: Grade 4.5
4th Movemebt: Grade 4
Overall Symphony: Grade 5 due to demand and length

[@DavidKhalilov]

Thank You!@@randallstandridge

[@Tormetheus]

😮‍💨😮‍💨👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@TheIceIvy]

How'd you get the wind sounds?

[@randallstandridge]

This is a live recording

[@TheIceIvy]

@@randallstandridge I meant to say what did you use to make those sounds. Like blowing into an instrument or something else?

[@randallstandridge]

@@TheIceIvy Electronic sound fx

[@zacharycarothers0104]

Would I still be able to be a patron for the consortium?