http://www.matthewnunesmusic.com/large-ensemble.html

We cannot always paint flowers... (2018)
for Wind Ensemble
 
We cannot always paint flowers...was commissioned by Amy Emelianoff and the Newark Academy Wind Ensemble and premiered on April 29th, 2018. The work is inspired by two quotes from Karel Husa that concern his resounding Music for Prague 1968 (1969):

“It is not as beautiful a music as one always would like to hear. But we cannot always paint flowers, we cannot always speak in poetry about beautiful clouds, there are sometimes we would like to express the fight for freedom.” (Music for Prague 1968 Program Notes)

and:

“I don’t think of it as a political message for one country. It is universal.”
(Los Angeles Times interview with Karel Husa by Marc Shulgold. March 1st, 1986 “‘Music for Prague’: Karel Husa: Putting His Convictions to Music”.)

Now, fifty years after the events that inspired his response, Husa’s words remain as timely as ever. Human rights, equality, government, education, the environment, healthcare, and so much more are fights we as global citizens must keep fighting for. One must not forget that sometimes the most necessary battles are the ones presented in the smallest packages.

This piece runs the gamut of hope/anxiety, seriousness/mockery, and tragedy/comedy with a musical language only the time and place of its composition could provide. As the seniors of the Newark Academy Wind Ensemble chose the theme of resistance/rebellion for this commission their instruments (alto and baritone saxophone, trumpet, and percussion) have vital roles in the dramaturgy of the piece.

To Sam, Ezra, Thomas, and Benjy: as you move to the next chapter in your lives remember the opportunities you have been provided and use your experiences wisely for the benefit of those around you. No, we cannot always paint flowers...but we must remember why we fight for the opportunities to do so.  
​
- Matthew Nunes
January 17th – February 1st, 2018
Windsor, Connecticut

If you are interested in performing this work or would like a perusal score please email me at mnunes.composer@hotmail.com

We cannot always paint flowers...(2018)for Wind Ensemble

www.MatthewNunesMusic.com

Matthew Nunes (ASCAP) is a euphoniumist and composer on the rise. 2017 was a breakout year as he advanced to the Leonard Falcone International Tuba-Euphonium Festival's Euphonium Artist semi-finals, and won the Montclair State University Concerto Competition with his own Concerto for Euphonium (2015). In 2012 he won the University of Central Florida Concerto/Aria Competition for Band – earning the distinction of being the first euphonium player to win since Dr. Gail Robertson. He has played with the Brass Band of Central Florida and has had multiple orchestra opportunities. He earned his Master’s in Euphonium Performance at Montclair State University studying with Derek Fenstermacher. His performance teachers include Tim Van Dam, Dr. Gail Robertson, Dr. Robin Sisk, Derek Fenstermacher, and Bente Illevold. 

Matthew is a published composer and arranger with works available from Cimarron Music Press and SheetMusicPlus.com. His Concerto for Euphonium and Wind Band was premiered by Dr. Gail Robertson and the Little Rock Wind Symphony in 2016, while his In League with Extraordinary Women (Concerto for Tuba and Wind Band) was premiered by Dr. Robin Sisk and the University of Florida Symphonic Band in 2018. In late 2021 he completed his Symphony for Orchestra and Choir, a massive and emotionally intense work. Matthew earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from UCF studying with Christopher Marshall. 

Theory and research are important to Matthew, and in late 2019 his article Mystery, Necromancy, and the Euphonium was published in Vol. 47, No. 1 of the International Tuba-Euphonium Association Journal. 

My music is available from these publishers:
CIMARRON MUSIC PRESS
https://www.cimarronmusic.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=%22nunes%22

SHEET MUSIC PLUS DIGITAL DOWNLOADS
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/search?Ntt=%22matthew+nunes+music%22

We cannot always paint flowers...(2018)for Wind Ensemble

Matthew Nunes - Composer