The Incantations of the Prophets of Baal

Technical Considerations

The brass are divided into two choirs on either side of the audience. A minimum of 18 brass are required in the band version, The large orchestra version uses 16 (4642). The standard orchestra version uses 11 (4331).

In the band and large orchestra versions, the top two trumpets need a solid sounding high C (C6, D6 on Bb trumpets). In the standard orchestra version, this applies only to the first trumpet.

The percussion parts are challenging (but idiomatic) and the section is featured prominently. They will enjoy these parts. The piece has been performed successfully by ensembles that have needed to use a few non-percussionists to cover parts.

The xylophone has an extended difficult passage.

The piano part needs a bona fide keyboard specialist.

The middle section is pointillistic in a fast tempo and requires a great deal of of rhythmic precision, especially from the percussion and piano. This passage may well require percussion/piano sectional rehearsals.

Generally speaking, no individual part is technically difficult, other than the aforementioned xylophone, but it is the rhythmic precision of the ensemble as a whole that must be mastered. The rhythms are not difficult in the sense of the 1960s avant-garde, but they tend to be along the lines of scattered eighth notes to which wind players may be less accustomed.

This page last updated on 07/27/07