Happenstance – for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble

Happenstance, a coincidence, or chance situation, is a reference to a harmonic idea which this piece is based upon. The concept of Random Harmony, developed by the American jazz pianist Kenny Werner, combines a random sequence of bass notes with random chord qualities (f.e. Lydian, Maj7#5 or Symmetric Dominant). Through voice leading and melody, these chords, which are rather alien to each other, are now connected and formed into musical phrases. The resulting continuum creates unexpected sounds and chord progressions that repeatedly deceive the listener’s expectation and provide surprising moments.

To counteract the random element and to achieve musical continuity, more traditional and square forms, such as a tango or a bossa nova, are used. The three characteristically different movements give the soloist the opportunity to showcase the diverse facets of the instrument, from the marching and fanfare-like, to the recitative-singing, to the dance-like and rhythmic qualities in the final movement.

The work was composed in the winter of 2021/22 after a lengthy study phase with Kenny Werner and is dedicated to the trumpeter Giuliano Sommerhalder, the Bern Symphonic Wind Orchestra (SIBO) and its conductor Rolf Schumacher.

I - Devious Tango

II - Aria

III - Elegant Bossa