SPIN

a brass quintet by Dr. Dana Reason

SPIN, according to Reason, at its heart “a work about the indomitable human spirit.” The idea of “spin” permeates throughout the work. Like a rondo, it has a joyful opening theme that is restated several times, punctuated by episodic contrasts that include moments of stasis, cacophony, and dance. The wild, improvised trombone solo (perhaps the soloist spinning out of control?) throws the music into a whirlwind, culminating in the final return of the opening thematic material, slowing if not to rest, then at least to a hopeful resolution.

SPIN was composed by Dr. Dana Reason in 2020. It was commissioned by the Rose City Brass Quintet, and is featured on RCBQ’s album Disquiet.