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View/download a PDF file of selected sample pages from the score (brass quintet and narrator version) of this work.
View/download a PDF file of the score (piano and narrator version) of this work.
View/download a PDF file of the score (piano trio and narrator version) of this work.
View/download a PDF file of the parts (piano trio and narrator version) of this work.
View/download a PDF file of the score (piccolo, bass clarinet, piano, and narrator version) of this work.
View/download a PDF file of the parts (piccolo, bass clarinet, and narrator version) of this work.
Download a PDF file of the notes and narration of this work translated by Moises Evora into Spanish for performance.
(First photograph of Moises Evora (narrator, center) and the puppet characters from the premiere on the Canary Islands; second photograph of the tortoise and the hare in front of the lighthouse prop.)
These explanatory notes below are for the original brass quintet version. For notes specific to the other instrumental versions, please see the frontmatter of the above PDF files.
Composed especially for my friend Moises Evora and his fellow musicians in the Canary Islands -- for their school and community concerts
The Race is a contemporary adaptation of the familiar story, "The Hare and the Tortoise." In this new version, the central characters (Rabbit and Tortoise) remain the same. But, additional characters (the neighbors, the Owl) are added. Sights and sounds from the neighborhood are incorporated. [A baseball game. The birds singing. Neighbors waving "hello."] And, the race itself takes place with the characters donning running shoes and caps. A referee starts the race, with the sound of a Starter's Pistol.
There is a moral to this well-known story: slow down and appreciate your surroundings (!). And, the entire adventure ends in a grand celebration party for all!
This work may be performed in standard concert clothing (although running shoes or caps may be added). Or, the Narrator and brass players may experiment with costuming. The Tuba (Tortoise) may wear a backpack resembling a shell. Trumpet 1 (Rabbit) may try wearing rabbit ears (!) or paws. And, the Narrator may select some attire suggesting a Referee. Puppets and scenery may even be added.
The Race was created especially for school and community concerts. It is hoped that audiences of all ages will find pleasure in this simple tale, retold as a contemporary road race. Sports fans (which include the composer) might be particularly amused!
Notes by the composer