Aprilis Nuptiae, for brass quintet

by Raymond Chase

$16

Aprilis Nuptiae (April Wedding), is somewhat of a musical trick. Written at the request of the Bride and Groom, they wanted a bridal procession in canonic form similar to Pachelbel, but just over three minutes in length. The surprising part to me, however, was that they also wanted the piece to be based on the University of Georgia Fight song (which uses the “Glory” section from Battle Hymn of the Republic as the melody). The challenge then, was to preserve as much of the “Fight song” as possible (in one form or another), yet not sound like a fight song when the processional began.

I think you will agree that I accomplished my goal. There are more than five iterations of the “Glory” theme throughout the piece; the trick is, can you find them? One last trick, the date of the wedding is a palindrome (04/04/04), so I also created this as a “Mirror canon.” It can be played “Top to bottom” or “Bottom to top.” I hope you enjoy it. - Raymond Chase