Leviathan (A.Batterham)

Emerging from the modern contemporary big band canon, "Leviathan," composed and arranged by A. Batterham, commands attention with its imposing architectural scale and fierce harmonic gravity. While deeply rooted in the post-bop and contemporary large-ensemble traditions pioneered by composers like Bob Mintzer and Jim McNeely, this composition carves out its own distinct territory through relentless forward momentum and dense, cinematic orchestrations. It functions as a modern modal tour de force, evoking the mythic, unstoppable weight of its namesake through surging dynamic swells and dark, labyrinthine chord structures that test the collective horsepower of a full jazz orchestra. At a brisk, driving tempo, the chart opens with an ominous, subterranean vamp in the rhythm section before the horns enter with razor-sharp, angular unison lines. The harmonic language relies heavily on suspended alterations, fourth-based voicings, and sudden chromatic shifts, creating an atmosphere of perpetual tension. Batterham structures the arrangement with meticulous contrast: aggressive, high-energy tutti shout choruses give way to spacious, atmospheric interludes where the texture thins to shimmering cymbals and moody woodwind pads. The melody is predominantly carried by the saxophone section, utilizing tight, interlocking bebop-derived solis that demand supreme articulation and finger dexterity, while the brass interject with blistering, punchy stabs. Feature-wise, the chart provides ample runway for a dynamic tenor saxophone or trumpet soloist, set against a roiling, interactive background of comping brass and cascading counterpoint. The rhythm section—particularly the drummer—serves as the engine of the piece, navigating shifting metric feels and polyrhythmic cross-rhythms that underpin the horn lines. Technical hurdles include executing rapid unison scalar passages at high velocity, maintaining intonation through complex extended tertian harmonies, and balancing dense, multi-layered textures where every section shares equal thematic importance. Advanced collegiate ensembles, premier youth jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find "Leviathan" an exceptionally rewarding centerpiece for festival programs or advanced concert sets. It demands a mature section leader in every chair, exceptional control over dynamic shading, and a high degree of collective rhythmic precision to successfully capture its dark, driving aesthetic. Conductors tackling "Leviathan" must prioritize rhythmic accuracy and articulation uniformity, particularly within the saxophone section's dense unison lines. The tempo must remain relentlessly steady; any dragging will deflate the crushing, locomotive energy required by Batterham's writing. Rehearsal should begin by isolating the rhythm section to lock in the complex ostinato grooves and metric modulations before layering in the horns. Pay close attention to dynamic contrast—the explosive shout choruses lose their impact if the ensemble peaks too early. Brass players should utilize clean, precise attacks with controlled falls and doits, avoiding excessive vibrato to maintain a modern, contemporary edge. Ensure the soloist has clear dynamic space over the heavy ensemble comping by rehearsing background figures at a disciplined mezzo-piano until the solo builds to its climax. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: The complete 76-page big band package includes a full conductor score and individual parts for a standard 17-instrument jazz orchestra instrumentation: 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, 1 baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums. Q: What is the designated difficulty level for this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for college/university jazz ensembles, advanced high school honor bands, and professional big bands that are comfortable with contemporary harmonic languages and complex meters. Q: What musical style and historical era does "Leviathan" represent? A: "Leviathan" represents the contemporary modern big band style, drawing heavily from late-20th and 21st-century post-bop traditions, modal jazz composition, and cinematic orchestral jazz. Q: What makes A.Batterham’s arrangement unique? A: It stands out through its massive programmatic concept, pairing dark, labyrinthine fourth-based voicings with aggressive rhythmic unisons and sudden, highly atmospheric textural shifts. Q: What is the approximate performance duration and tempo feel? A: The piece is written as a driving, high-energy modern swinger/groove with an upbeat tempo, resulting in an estimated performance duration of approximately 6 to 7 minutes.