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Title	Lapis Albus
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Concert march
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	PrtStm (full score and parts)
Publisher's article no.	KL 2028
Year of publication	2013
Price	85.00 EUR (incl. 10 % Austrian VAT)
Composer	Glantschnig, Christoph
Difficulty level	4
Evaluation level of countries	A4 (Austrian D level); PWM-at (Literaturliste Polka, Walzer, Marsch)
Duration	5:15
Additional info/contents	A difficult but powerful and beautiful concert march, distinguished above all by the quotation of the Wagner tuba motif from Anton Bruckner's Eighth Symphony in the trio section!!!
Sample sheet music	click here
Sample score	click here
Sound sample
Video sample
External link	http://youtu.be/z3j9NE1PBMw
Available	yes

Programme notes: Lapis Albus – Meaning and Musical Analysis of the March Composition by Christoph Glantschnig The Latin term *Lapis Albus* literally means "white stone" and is associated with a variety of symbolic meanings. In antiquity and the Middle Ages, the expression often stood for purity, clarity, or even alchemical processes, in which a purified stone served as a metaphor for perfection. In architecture, *Lapis Albus* referred to light-colored, noble stones such as marble, which were used for monumental buildings. Figuratively, the term can also stand for something sublime, enduring, or spiritual – a meaning that makes it an inspiring title for artistic works, especially in music. Christoph Glantschnig, an Austrian composer and conductor, took up this concept and created *Lapis Albus*, a demanding concert march for wind orchestra. The work captivates with its powerful sonic development, technical virtuosity, and emotional depth. Of particular note is the quotation of the Wagner tuba motif from Anton Bruckner's Eighth Symphony, which is integrated into the trio of the march, lending it a symphonic dimension. The composition *Lapis Albus* by Christoph Glantschnig *Lapis Albus* is a concert march in the tradition of symphonic wind music. Glantschnig combines typical march elements with symphonic density, giving the work a special expressiveness. The march is known for its dramatic dynamics, complex instrumentation, and contrasting structure. Formal Structure and Musical Composition The work follows the classic three-part structure of a march: introduction, main section, trio, and recapitulation. The introduction begins with fanfare-like motifs and a dense soundscape. The main section presents a striking, rhythmically driving theme, dominated by the brass section and enriched by syncopated passages and contrapuntal elements. The trio forms the emotional climax of the work. Here, Glantschnig introduces the quotation from Anton Bruckner's Eighth Symphony – specifically, the Wagner tuba motif, which unfolds a mystical and sublime effect in Bruckner's work. The integration of this motif lends the march a symphonic depth and creates a contrast to the typical march rhythm. Since Wagner tubas are not always available in a wind orchestra, the sound is often imitated by other instruments such as horns or tenor horns. The recapitulation takes up the main theme again, now with increased intensity, and ends in a virtuosic coda that brings the work to a brilliant close. Difficulty and Musical Requirements *Lapis Albus* is among the most demanding works in wind band literature and places high demands on the ensemble. The rhythmic complexity with syncopation, triplets, and rapid running passages requires precise ensemble playing. Dynamic contrasts from pianissimo to fortissimo must be rendered with nuance, especially in the crescendos of the main section and the coda. The articulation, with its clear accents, staccato passages, and legato phrasing, demands a high degree of technical mastery from the musicians. The instrumentation requires homogeneous intonation, particularly for the brass section, which carries the main themes. The woodwinds often take on contrapuntal lines and must blend precisely into the overall sound. The percussion section has a rhythmically structuring function and must be especially precise in the crescendos. The work presents a challenge for the conductor, as tempo changes, such as the transition to the trio, must be clearly indicated. Furthermore, a sensitive balance between the instrumental groups is necessary to bring out the nuanced phrasing of the Bruckner quotation in the trio. The Bruckner Quotation in the Trio: Analysis and Effect – Context of the Quotation The Wagner tuba motif from Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 8 (in C minor, "Apocalyptic") is a central element of the Adagio movement, embodying a transcendent, almost religious mood. Bruckner used the Wagner tuba, a hybrid of horn and tuba, to create a dark, mysterious sound reminiscent of Richard Wagner's music. Glantschnig adopts this motif in the Trio by Lapis Albus and adapts it for wind orchestra. The instrumentation and harmonic embedding create a contrasting moment that briefly elevates the march to a symphonic level. Function in the Work The lyrical, almost meditative quotation contrasts with the march-like rhythms, creating an emotional pause. The connection to Bruckner's "Apocalyptic" Symphony underscores the sublime significance of the title Lapis Albus – the "white stone" as a symbol of purity or perfection. The dark timbre of the Wagner tubas is emulated in the wind orchestra by the lower registers of the brass section, lending the trio a special sonic richness. Christoph Glantschnig's *Lapis Albus* is an outstanding example of the fusion of march tradition and symphonic depth. By integrating the Bruckner quotation, the composer succeeds in giving the work a dimension that transcends the purely musical context. The technical demands make the piece a valuable addition for top-class wind orchestras, while the emotional impact and symbolic meaning of the title transform it into an experience for conductors, musicians, and audiences alike. For ensembles seeking a demanding, sonorous, and poetic concert march, *Lapis Albus* is an ideal choice – a work that combines musical virtuosity with artistic depth.* Text: musicainfo.net (KI)

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