Composed in 1995, The Tempest is a "programmatic" piece, meaning it's designed to musically tell a story or paint a picture. Its journey can be outlined as follows:
A massive six-measure crescendo leads to a series of dissonant major second clusters, finally resolving on a triumphant fortissimo unison concert note. Instrumentation Requirements
Robert W. Smith (1958–2023) was renowned for his ability to write highly cinematic, programmatic music for concert bands. "The Tempest" is no exception. It serves as a vivid musical narrative that challenges developing ensembles while remaining highly rewarding to perform. Musical Elements and Characteristics