Meramec Rhapsody - Claude T. Smith

This work is a commission by the Missouri Bandmasters Association to honor the 50th Anniversary of the MMEA. From the opening melody stated by unison flutes, 1st clarinet and 1st trumpet, the work quickly starts through a development of that melody that only this composer does so well. The writing is very "rubato" chorale style often interrupted with short allegro sections but always returning to the opening statement. There is a short flute solo passage as well as a very fluent alto sax solo. A dramatic piece that bands will enjoy playing for years to come.