Cryptogram [Alf:12-057156612X]

Cryptogram (krip-to-gram): anything written in cipher. Cipher (si'fer): a secret code. Commissioned for the 50th Birthday of Paul Patterson, the composer has taken the letters P, A, U and L and adapted their Morse Code dots and dashes as a basis for the piece. Combinations of rich brass writing, juxtaposed with florid upper wind writing, provides a stimulating piece for an intermediate level band. The finale to the work superimposes both elements for a grand ending.