Folgore's Months: Concert Band Conductor Score

This score offers collegiate wind programs a rare opportunity to present a substantial solo vocal work with ensemble accompaniment at the professional concert level. Liptak's setting of 14th-century poetry creates a bridge between art song traditions and wind ensemble writing, giving singers and instrumentalists equally compelling musical material. The four-movement structure allows for programming flexibility while maintaining cohesion, and the contemporary harmonic language challenges conductors and players to refine their interpretive skills.

The four seasonal movements create a journey through poetic reflection and musical contemplation. Liptak's contemporary harmonic language unfolds with clarity and intentionality, setting medieval poetry in a musical language that feels both modern and timeless, creating moments of lyrical beauty alongside subtle dissonance that keeps the ear engaged.

This score serves collegiate wind ensemble conductors seeking to expand their serious repertoire with works that feature vocal soloists. It is well suited for programs with capable soprano soloists and wind ensembles at the advanced collegiate level who can handle contemporary harmonic language and chamber ensemble textures.

• Balance the soprano line carefully throughout the score; the chamber wind ensemble should support rather than overshadow the vocalist, particularly in passages where the text carries narrative weight.
• Establish clear vowel unification across the wind choir, especially in sustained chords beneath the soloist, to prevent tonal muddiness and maintain transparency.
• Study the text of all four movements with your wind ensemble so players understand the poetic context they are accompanying; this deepens their musical commitment and ensemble cohesion.
• Give attention to sectional balance within the chamber configuration; smaller wind ensembles can expose imbalances that larger groups might mask.

Program this work on a concert featuring other contemporary wind band compositions to create a thematic evening of modern serious music. Its moderate length and chamber configuration also make it suitable for festival showcases or as a featured work on a mixed-repertoire concert that includes standard band literature.

• Balancing solo vocal line with chamber ensemble accompaniment
• Interpreting contemporary harmonic language and dissonance
• Reading and conducting complex contemporary scores
• Ensemble transparency and clarity in chamber wind settings
• Collaborative musicianship between singers and instrumentalists