World premiere performance by Dr. Lee Harrelson

HAMMERSPACE is a work for solo euphonium and fixed media. Written for Dr. Lee Harrelson, this piece consists of three energetic sections, each with distinct themes. The first section “HAMMERSPACE” is inspired by the concept of the same name, which is the extradimensional, instantly accessible storage area in fiction used to explain how animated, comic, and game characters can produce objects out of thin air. The second section “The Neon Lights” draws inspiration from Synth Wave music. While slightly more laid back in tempo and feel, “The Neon Lights” continues to grow in intensity. The final portion of the piece “Euphonium vs. Synthesizer” is exactly what the name suggests: a battle of the bands-type scenario where the solo euphoniumist wages war against the synthesizers. The work ends with an ascending rip to a sustained high C (or optional high E) in the euphonium part, signifying victory for the soloist.

Sheet music (w/backing track) available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p41/HAMMERSPACE_%282023%29_for_Euphonium_and_Fixed_Media.html

Copyright © 2023 Ian Lester

HAMMERSPACE - for euphonium and fixed media

A native Michigander whose music has been described as "high energy", "innovative" and "very thoughtful and concise" (International Tuba and Euphonium Association), Dr. Ian Lester (b. 1994) is an award-winning composer, euphonium player, and teacher holding a Doctorate degree in euphonium performance and Master’s degree in composition from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where he also previously received his Master's degree in euphonium performance. Ian received his Bachelor’s degree in euphonium performance and pursued additional composition studies at Oakland University in Michigan. Ian’s works have been performed and recorded by soloists, chamber ensembles, wind bands, and brass bands at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Fort Myer, and many universities and recital halls around the world. Notable achievements include winning the 2016 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Composition Competition, receiving the 2018 Oakland University's Outstanding Student in Composition award, winning the 2018 North Texas Euphonium Quartet Composition Competition, the 2021 Mirari Brass Quintet Call for Scores, and the 2022 UMKC Composition Competition, being selected to attend the 2021 Julius String Quartet EMERGE Solstice Composition Workshop, along with winning both the inaugural 2023 North Texas I.T.E.A. Chapter Composition Competition and the 2023 I.T.E.A. R. Winston Morris Award for excellence in tuba/euphonium ensemble composition.