The Second Storm (Ivan): B-flat Bass Clarinet
By Robert W. Smith
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PC-0014691_BC
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Description
Inspired by the devastating hurricane season during the summer of 2004, the subtitle of this work is "Ivan." The Second Storm begins with a calm melodic introduction "Before the Storm" and, as the fury of Mother Nature is unleashed, the work develops using strong unison impacts with driving rhythmic figures to capture the intensity of the event in sound. Your intermediate orchestra will sound bold. A big sound is guaranteed. (2:09)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Intermediate String/Full Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
122
SKU:
00-PC-0014691_BC
More about this title
About the Arranger: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith stands among the most performed composers of orchestral and concert band music in the United States, with more than 400 published works distributed primarily through Alfred Music. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Troy State University and a Master of Music from the University of Miami. His large-scale works, including the symphonies The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey, have been performed across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, establishing him as a major voice in music for developing ensembles.
Beyond the concert hall, Smith's compositions and arrangements have reached audiences through television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and major sporting events. He has worked internationally as both conductor and clinician, bringing his expertise to musicians across the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and several European countries.
Why we love this
Smith captures the raw drama of a natural disaster without resorting to cheap effects; the piece builds from genuine calm into authentic intensity, giving your orchestra a chance to explore dynamic contrast and unison power at a level intermediate groups rarely get. The straightforward harmonic language and driving rhythmic figures mean every section of your orchestra can contribute to the sound, and that shared responsibility builds real ensemble cohesion.
What to expect
The piece opens in stillness before the weather turns violent. You experience the gathering tension, then the full force of the storm through relentless rhythmic momentum and orchestral unison. By the end, your orchestra has lived through a complete journey from serenity to elemental power.
Who it's for
Intermediate full orchestras looking for a concert or festival piece with dramatic appeal and clear structural storytelling. This work rewards solid fundamentals in rhythm and balance without requiring advanced technical facility, making it ideal for orchestras ready to tackle something with real stakes.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the 'Before the Storm' introduction to establish a genuine sense of peace; the contrast will make the transition into chaos far more impactful for your audience.
- Lock the ensemble on the driving rhythmic figures that propel the storm section; precise coordination of these unison impacts is what creates the perception of power.
- Shape dynamics gradually during the building sections rather than jumping to forte; even at intermediate level, a measured crescendo reads as more convincing than sudden outbursts.
How to use it
Program this as a powerful concert or festival opener to establish energy, or as the centerpiece of a thematic program about nature, resilience, or environmental awareness (pairing well with Earth Day performances). Its moderate length (just over two minutes) makes it ideal for mixed concert programs where you want a strong standalone moment.
Skills your students will build
- Executing driving rhythmic figures with ensemble precision
- Building dynamic intensity through controlled crescendos
- Balancing contrast between calm and aggressive sections
- Sustaining unison impacts across the full orchestra
- Responding to expressive architectural shapes in contemporary orchestral writing