X1 - Erik Morales

I hope you enjoy!
This piece is special to me. I was part of the trumpet ensemble that it was commissioned for and premiered it at the 2012 National Trumpet Competition. It was the first year of my Undergrad at Grand Valley State University - I was 17, turning 18 and everyone else in the ensemble were finishing their degrees. Everything that routine for the other members was completely new for me… group warmups, tone and articulation matching exercises, everything like that. Thankfully, everyone was supportive and I picked up on things pretty quickly (or at least I think I did…) I couldn’t be more thankful for that experience. Diving in like that was a big part of my development as a trumpeter and musician.
Before X1 was written, as an ensemble we had tried out a few other pieces to bring to NTC. None of them really fit the bill. But after our first read through the day this came in, it was pretty clear that this was the one. I’ll be honest, it’s been a few years since I’ve worked on this one but everything came back to me pretty quickly. All those hours working on that one lick right near the beginning really paid off nearly 10 years later!
The story behind this piece is pretty cool. Here’s Erik’s program notes:
“The Bell X-1 (originally designated XS-1) was the first of a series of secret experimental aircraft (or X-planes) designed to break the sound barrier. On October 14th, 1947 Air Force Captain Charles “Chuck” Yeager piloted the X-1 to the first supersonic flight. This historic flight was the first to go 807.2 miles per hour (or Mach 1.06). The X-1, named “Glamorous Glennis” by Captain Yeager in honor of his wife, achieved the supersonic speed on its fiftieth flight.
This music work, entitled “X1”, draws its inspiration from this great historical achievement. Some of the melodic material is based off whole tone scales and diminished fifth intervals. This is to mimic the beauty of the symmetrical design of the X-1. The whole tone scale offers both symmetry and a distinctly mechanical sound to the music. Many examples of whole tone scales and diminished fifths can be located throughout the piece.”
This is the original, first edition that was performed at NTC 2012. Erik has updated this piece a little bit since then! If, somehow you're not familiar with Erik's music, do yourself a favor and check him out, all of his music is great!

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

I've seen you around the FB trumpet groups--glad I found this recording! I'm in a quintet playing this and really needed a nice, clean reference!

[@Trumpetking93]

Thanks Samuel! Best of luck with your group playing this :). Take note this is the original edition as premiered, and Erik has updated a few things. Not to toot my own horn, but I will for a second. Take note in particular how I played the harmon stuff. I've heard it played a bunch of ways, but we worked with Erik on this piece and I play it as he intended. Cheers, and let me know if you guys need any help!

[@SamuelPlaysBrass]

@@Trumpetking93 I’ll make sure to pass it into the guys! I’m playing 4th, so no harmon for me.

[@MSGrantMusic]

Underrated recording and performance.

[@Trumpetking93]

Marcus, you're too kind!

[@noahtaylor5075]

Really cool performance! My high school trumpet ensemble is taking this to NTC this year and we love it. If i may ask, why do you leave out some of the sixteenth notes towards the beginning (around measure 30?) No hate! This sounds amazing regardless! Really well done!

[@seidenning]

bro aint no way bro

[@seidenning]

sei btw