
Performance award, 2023 Franco Composition Contest
Birthday Fanfare is scored for 60-bell grand carillon. For performance on a smaller carillon, octave signs (8va) should be omitted.
Birthday Fanfare was composed as a special gift for Mitty, a wonderful human being whose company I feel incredibly fortunate to enjoy. I wanted to write something that was both special and unique for her. The inspiration for the music came from her name, with the notes E (mi) and B (ti) forming the basis of the composition. To incorporate the widely recognized "happy birthday" melody, I weaved it into the piece in a creative and unique way. Using the original harmonic structures, I created a dynamic rhythmic drive that added depth and complexity to the simple melodic elements. My hope is that the ringing of the bell tower serves as a cherished birthday memory for Mitty, one that conveys my appreciation for her and my heartfelt best wishes.
—Yanchen Ye