Xanthem

‘Xanthem’
Composed by Melvin Lauf, Jr.
For Piccolo Ensemble
Published by FLUTE.NET Publications
Includes score and parts

Duration: 10:00

Instrumentation:
Five Piccolos

Contents:
I.   Familiar Setting
II.  Quantum Entanglement
III. Jardin Soliloque
IV.  Limitless

Program Notes:
The title ‘Xanthem’ was born out of a misunderstanding of the term xanthan gum. I thought I heard xanthem gum. As I understand, it is a thickening or binding agent. As far as I was concerned, it was the perfect title of a piece. Xanthem – music that binds or brings musicians together.
When I was approached about this project, the expectation was to create something different for the fife ensemble of ‘The Old Guard’ Fife and Drum Corps. And that is exactly what they got.
I. Familiar Setting is simply a fife tune that one might hear on the field at a fife and drum muster. It has a very familiar progression and rhythmic motif.
II. Quantum Entanglement is the spinning of particles on the quantum level. I feel the meter 32/16 gives you a sense of the entangled notes on the quantum level.
III. Jardin Soliloque is nothing more than a moment of introspection one might find themself in while standing in a garden.
IV. Limitless, sky is the limit with fife (or piccolo) ensemble. The opening motif just keeps going and knows no bonds.