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Title	Im Märchenschloss
Category	Concert/wind/brass band
Subcategory	Concert music
Instrumentation	Ha (concert/wind band)
Format	DirStm (Condensed Score and parts)
Publisher's article no.	Kl.2259
Composer	Rechberger, Manfred
Duration	4:54
Additional info/contents	A beautiful work by the Styrian composer Manfred Rechberger. An enchanting fairytale castle is presented through music. A special highlight: the duet of the (trombone) castle ghosts! Pure romance and goosebumps! Quelle/Source: Kiment Musikverlag
Sample score	click here
Sound sample
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Programme notes: In the Fairytale Castle by Manfred Rechberger – A Musical Analysis The composition "In the Fairytale Castle" by the Styrian composer Manfred Rechberger is a captivating work for wind orchestra, distinguished by its evocative soundscape and dramatic subtlety. With a playing time of approximately five minutes, the piece transports listeners to a mystical world where an enchanting fairytale castle comes to life. The trombone duet is particularly striking, serving as the musical embodiment of the castle ghosts and lending the work a unique timbre. Structure and Musical Composition The work is clearly structured and follows a dramatically conceived sequence characterized by changes in tempo, key, and dynamic contrasts. The introduction begins in B-flat major at a tempo of 80 beats per minute. This creates a tranquil, almost mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of an enchanted castle. The woodwinds unfold gentle melodic lines, while the brass section plays harmonious accompaniment figures. At letter B, the tempo accelerates to a quarter note equal to 115. The music gains vibrancy, and the fairytale castle seems to awaken. The rhythms become more pronounced, and the melody is increasingly dominated by the brass instruments. A striking key change to D-flat major at letter D introduces a dramatic climax. The harmonies become more complex, and the dynamics increase. In this section, the trombone duet comes into its own for the first time, taking on the role of the castle ghosts. At letter E, the key changes to E-flat major, and the tempo slows to a quarter note equal to 85. This section has a contemplative and dreamlike quality. The trombones engage in a dialogue reminiscent of a mysterious conversation between ghosts. The section at letter G is marked Grave and creates a somber, almost menacing atmosphere. The lower registers of the trombones and tubas dominate, while the woodwinds contribute only sporadically. At the letter H, the tempo accelerates again to a quarter note equal to 122, ushering in an energetic and triumphant climax. The music then culminates in a D.S. al coda on the letter B and concludes with a repetition of the opening theme, which, through the preceding developments, gains a new depth. The Trombone Duet: The Castle Ghosts A central element of *Im Märchenschloss* (In the Fairy-Tale Castle) is the trombone duet, which serves as a musical representation of the castle ghosts. Rechberger utilizes the trombones' tonal versatility to create an almost dialogic interaction between the two instruments. The trombones often play in closely spaced intervals, creating a mysterious, almost whispering quality. Through the use of mutes and dynamic nuances, the impression is created that the ghosts are wandering through the castle corridors. The duet is particularly prominent during the key changes to D-flat major and E-flat major, as well as in the grave section. Here, the music becomes the vehicle of the narrative, shifting the mood between mysticism, menace, and magic. Technically, Rechberger writes rapid runs, glissandi, and accented syncopations for the trombones, underscoring the spirits' unpredictable and playful nature. Dramaturgy and Tone Painting Rechberger's composition captivates with its evocative tone painting. Each section of the work is associated with a specific mood or scene: The introduction in B-flat major awakens the castle, while gentle woodwinds and harp-like brass create a magical atmosphere. At the letter B, the castle begins to move, and lively rhythms and fanfare-like motifs dominate. At the letter D, the spirits appear, and the trombone duet takes the lead with mystical sounds. The section at the letter E offers a moment of reflection, in which the spirits seem to whisper softly to one another. In the Grave section at letter G, the mood darkens, while deep brass and dissonant harmonies create a menacing atmosphere. The triumphant climax at letter H finally allows the castle to shine in all its glory. * Manfred Rechberger's "Im Märchenschloss" (In the Fairytale Castle) is a masterful example of programmatic wind band music. Through the skillful use of key changes, tempo contrasts, and the trombone duet, the composer succeeds in creating a vibrant soundscape that transports the listener into the magical atmosphere of a fairytale castle. The trombone duet, in particular, lends the work a unique character and makes it a highlight in the wind band repertoire. For conductors and musicians, the work offers not only a sonic enrichment but also the opportunity to bring the magical world of the fairytale castle to life through precise articulation and dynamic shaping. * Text: musicainfo.net (KI)

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