about the composition 

Commissioned by the Calhoun-Isles Community Band of Minneapolis, Minnesota, The Minnesota Portraits is a three-movement suite for concert band based on the composer’s impressions of various Minnesota landmarks.

Movement I, “Historic Fort Snelling," is a tribute to one of the most important historic sites in the Midwestern United States. Located at the juncture of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, Fort Snelling was established in 1819 and served for many years as a vital center for trade, lodging, and exchanges between soldiers, settlers and Native Americans. While capturing the excitement of those pioneer days, “Historic Fort Snelling” also reflects on and pays honor to armed forces veterans buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Movement II, "Lake Calhoun Sunrise," playfully re-enacts the beauty of a summer daybreak over the calm waters of Minneapolis’ scenic Lake Calhoun, one of Minnesota's more than 11,000 lakes.

Movement III, "Mississippi River," is a fluid musical portrait that begins by depicting the source of the North America’s longest river, the tranquil headwaters at Itasca, Minnesota’s oldest state park. From there, the music and the river pick up speed, passing by the bustling cities and towns that were built along Minnesota’s original thoroughfare. The majestic power of the river then provides a fitting musical climax for The Minnesota Portraits.

The Minnesota Portraits, composed by Carl Schroeder of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has an approximate performance time of 8 minutes. Originally composed for concert band, it has also been arranged for orchestra by the composer.