Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, the Rolling Stones and other contemporary performers often use large stadiums or other arenas as gigantic scenery for their concert. These open air performances inspired Luigi di Ghisallo to write his rock overture ”Open Air” which is to be performed by one or more bands. Consequently a large percussion section, heavy brass and electric bass guitars are indispensable elements of a becoming performance.
The overture opens with thundering timpani which soon are backed up by massive brass.
Then a swinging theme ”alla Stones” and syncopated trombone solos ”alla Jackson” are heard.
The lyric middle section is full of melodies that deliberately intend to portray appearances by the successful singer Whitney Houston.
Following a calypso variation which serves as a bridge, the ”Rolling Stones thunderstorm” breaks loose again.
To strengthen the tension towards the end, Luigi di Ghisallo employed a polyphonic finesse in the baritones and horns, which builds up and finally resolves in a brilliant closing chord.