Kallman, Daniel - Sea Creatures (Woodwind Ensemble Score & Parts)

A whimsical work that depicts characteristics of ocean life in 6 movements each preceded by narration. Rhythmically and technically challenging, this is perfect for young people’s concerts but will appeal to listeners of all ages.


Sea Creatures was commissioned by the Halama Wind Octet of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The original idea for the work came from Halama’s founder and conductor Marlene Pauley, who envisioned a new work for her ensemble that would musically depict the characteristics of selected ocean animals. Her plan was to premiere the work for children’s audiences at the Minnesota Zoo’s Discovery Bay. In the initial stages of creating the work, the composer spent time at the zoo observing and taking notes about the aquatic life.


Sea Creatures consists of six movements, each preceded by a narration written by the composer, with a bit of helpful "tweaking" from Minnesota Public Radio’s Mindy Ratner who narrated the premiere. The four middle movements are named after specific animals and are a musical reaction to that species’ perceived behavior or presumed "attitude" (ever met a fish with an attitude?). In each of those movements, a specific pair of like instruments within the octet predominate the texture in the following arrangement: dolphin - clarinets; puffer fish - bassoons; moray eel - oboes; shark - horns. The work is quite challenging both rhythmically and technically and requires a competent conductor in addition to fine instrumentalists. Sea Creatures is perfect for young people’s concerts but appeals to listeners of all ages.


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