Signum Score and Parts

This piece by the internationally renowned composer Gottfried Veit is a great opener for a concert. Composed in three parts, it contrasts powerful, fanfare-like symphonic blocks with a lyrical middle section. You will make an impression in every concert with this memorable and impressive piece.

There is hardly any other expression that has as many synonyms as “signum”. Signum means sign, abbreviated signature, seal, hallmark, distinguishing mark, even coat of arms and flag.

Signum for concert band by Gottfried Veit is a concise piece in a bold style that is especially suitable for opening a concert or celebrations.  It comes straight to the point – in Allegro appassionato – so to say, and only calms down again in the middle section, when a four-part chorale in Andante sostenuto is intoned by the narrow-bore brass instruments. That cantabile section is interrupted twice, first by a cadence of one and later by two solo clarinets. This is followed (after a short transition) by a da capo and concluded by a brief but striking coda.

This composition was dedicated to the “Symphonic Winds” concert band. The premiere was on December 26, 1992 in the large Merano Entertainment Hall (Meraner Kursaal) under the direction of Alexander Veit, the composer’s son.

Level: 3