Emperata Overture

This is the composition that started it all! “Emperata Overture” is a wind band classic for concert and festival alike. The original publication of this work established Claude T. Smith’s use of the 7/8-time meter as his signature rhythmic device for instrumental ensembles. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound.

The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.