This one-movement work was commissioned by Barnes' longtime friend and collaborator Dr. Mark Rogers. Like so many famous works for bassoon, it is based in F major. The piece is in a modified five-part rondo
This hauntingly beautiful waltz tells the story of a villain's nefarious plan to destroy the hero. From the brooding opening notes of the gathering dark magic to the lighter, almost whimsical middle section
Composed during the summer and fall of 1974, this was premiered in the spring semester of 1976. The following year, the symphony was awarded the American Bandmasters Ostwald Composition prize, which led to
One of two works requested in 2021 of composer James Barnes by Colonel Donald Schofield to be written for the United States Air Force Band, this short piece is intended to be used as an opener for their
This rousing fanfare makes the perfect concert opener for the advanced concert band. Fiery brass fanfares and swirling woodwind lines transition to a melodic section that gradually builds to a dramatic
A fantastic resetting of this masterpiece. The opening should be neither too slow nor too fast, perhaps thought of as an introductory fanfare for strings (the original included oboes). For better attack,
A highly energetic and emotionally charged work for advanced concert bands. Biting rhythms, blazing woodwind technique, heavy textures, dissonances, and intense melodies create a very cinematic