Bite the Bullet

“Bite the Bullet” by Mexican-American composer Jorge Machain was named 2019-2020 winner of acclaimed “The American Prize” for music, in addition to being a finalist in the 2018 NBA Revelli competition. The work was inspired by a painting by Venetian artist, Carlo Marchiori, which depicts two Pulcinelli (Venetian clowns) engaged in a gun battle. As the bullets meet in the middle of the scene, a colorful and vibrant cloudburst is created. Using a unique sonic color scheme, the brass and percussion portray the gunshots, while the woodwind flourishes emulate the painter’s vibrant brush strokes. Commissined and recorded by the UNLV Wind Orchestra – Thomas G. Leslie, conductor, featured on the Klavier recording “Quarternity” K11123.