Entry #10: Joan Tower & Return of the Zombie

Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1 - Joan Tower

Performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Composed in 1986, Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1 was inspired by, and responds to, Copland’s famous fanfare. Instead of honoring the “common man,” Tower celebrates women who lead and take risks. The piece is scored for brass and percussion, but its sound world is far more aggressive and rhythmically complex than traditional fanfares.

Sharp accents, driving percussion, and dissonant harmonies give the work a sense of urgency. Melodic lines leap unpredictably across the ensemble, creating tension and forward motion. Rather than sounding ceremonial, the music feels active and assertive, emphasizing energy and individuality within the group.

The work is scored for three trumpets, four horns, three trombones, tuba, timpani, and percussion.

Fanfare for the Common Man - Aaron Copland

Performed by the Atlanta Symphony

Most likely considered the most famous fanfare for brass ensemble, Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man was written in written in 1942 for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under conductor Eugene Goossens and was inspired in part by a speech made earlier that year by then American Vice President Henry A. Wallace, in which Wallace proclaimed the dawning of the "Century of the Common Man". Copland later included it as the main theme for the fourth movement of his Third Symphony.

The work is scored for three trumpets, four horns, three trombones, tuba, timpani, bass drum, and tam-tam.

Return of the Zombie - Billy May

Billy May’s Return of the Zombie, from Big Fat Brass, takes a humorous and theatrical approach. Return of the Zombie is attributed to Haven and Spencer, though no further information seems to be available about the composers. 

The music evokes a campy horror atmosphere, with bold gestures, glissandi, and unexpected harmonic turns. Unlike traditional fanfares, it focuses less on ceremony and more on entertainment, blending jazz style with orchestral brass writing to create something lively and tongue-in-cheek.

Until next time!

-Jacob