PUBLISHER: M.O.T.I.F. - Music of the Introspective Fields (ASCAP)
DURATION: ca. 6-8 minutes
DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE
WORLD PREMIERE: April 19, 2017 - Michigan State University Concert Orchestra, Soo Han (conductor); Fairchild Theater, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
DURATION: ca. 6-8 minutes
DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE
WORLD PREMIERE: April 19, 2017 - Michigan State University Concert Orchestra, Soo Han (conductor); Fairchild Theater, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
COMMISSION INFORMATION
Written for Soo Han and the Michigan State University Concert Orchestra
as a winner of the 2017 Jere Hutcheson Large Ensemble Composition Competition
as a winner of the 2017 Jere Hutcheson Large Ensemble Composition Competition
INSTRUMENTATION
WOODWINDS: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons
BRASS: 4 Horns, 3 C Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba
KEYBOARDS: Celesta
PERCUSSION: Timpani, 2 Percussion [5 players in total required]
STRINGS: Harp, Strings
BRASS: 4 Horns, 3 C Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba
KEYBOARDS: Celesta
PERCUSSION: Timpani, 2 Percussion [5 players in total required]
STRINGS: Harp, Strings
PERCUSSION LIST
Vibraphone, Xylophone, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Bass Drum, 4 Tom-Toms, Triangle, Vibraslap
PROGRAM NOTES
Many of my previous works have largely explored broader topics ranging everywhere from scientific and natural phenomena to biblical disasters. Anthem for Life is my approach away from these ideas into something more innate - the human soul. Largely passionate and full of lush colors, mirrored with twinges of darkness and mourning, this piece is inspired by emotional expressions over logical reasoning.
When I first began composing Anthem for Life, I was uncertain as to what emotions I could - and wanted to - feasibly express without calling forth musical ideas and characteristics that would cause more harm than good to these feelings. That is, how could I express these emotions as truthfully and simply as possible through my own musical voice, something that represents who I am and what I love most? The answer to this came unexpectedly... and tragically.
My fiancee's grandmother passed away at the beginning of 2017. This was devastating for both of us, as my fiancee (and her family) was certainly very close to her. Although I had only known her grandmother for a few years, she considered me to be one of her own grandchildren because of how close my fiancee and I are to each other. This impacted me as much as it did to my fiancee and all of her family. Death is never easy to face, especially with loved ones.
With this tragedy, however, came a reflection of all the wonders life has to offer, a comprehension of all of its mysteries and uncertainties. Every glimpse of darkness is ultimately balanced with joy, light, and spirit, with time as the precious gift that carries onward in its neverending quest. My goals for this piece thus shifted as a result of this contemplation, turning a declaratory statement of music into a broader celebration of life, the good and the bad.
Anthem for Life is a pastorale in the veins of neo-Romanticism. It is a piece with traces of darker and ambiguous qualities within, for difficult periods of life. It is a piece with moments of exuberance, passion, spirit, love, and joy. It is a piece inspired by composers of the past while also looking ahead towards a brighter, more generous, and peaceful future. Finally, Anthem for Life is a piece of remembrance for loved ones, and of looking forward with hope to the days ahead.
My sincerest thanks goes to the following people in making this premiere possible: to my teacher David Biedenbender for all of his valuable insight and guidance in helping me shape this piece; to Soo Han and the Michigan State University Concert Orchestra for their wonderful musicality and extraordinary passion for their craft; to the MSU Composition Studio for the wonderful opportunity of offering their annual Large Ensemble Composition Competition to all of their students; and finally, to all of my closest friends and family, whom I love dearly.
Anthem for Life is dedicated to my darling Eva, hereby my wedding present to her. You will always be dearest to my heart, now and forever.
When I first began composing Anthem for Life, I was uncertain as to what emotions I could - and wanted to - feasibly express without calling forth musical ideas and characteristics that would cause more harm than good to these feelings. That is, how could I express these emotions as truthfully and simply as possible through my own musical voice, something that represents who I am and what I love most? The answer to this came unexpectedly... and tragically.
My fiancee's grandmother passed away at the beginning of 2017. This was devastating for both of us, as my fiancee (and her family) was certainly very close to her. Although I had only known her grandmother for a few years, she considered me to be one of her own grandchildren because of how close my fiancee and I are to each other. This impacted me as much as it did to my fiancee and all of her family. Death is never easy to face, especially with loved ones.
With this tragedy, however, came a reflection of all the wonders life has to offer, a comprehension of all of its mysteries and uncertainties. Every glimpse of darkness is ultimately balanced with joy, light, and spirit, with time as the precious gift that carries onward in its neverending quest. My goals for this piece thus shifted as a result of this contemplation, turning a declaratory statement of music into a broader celebration of life, the good and the bad.
Anthem for Life is a pastorale in the veins of neo-Romanticism. It is a piece with traces of darker and ambiguous qualities within, for difficult periods of life. It is a piece with moments of exuberance, passion, spirit, love, and joy. It is a piece inspired by composers of the past while also looking ahead towards a brighter, more generous, and peaceful future. Finally, Anthem for Life is a piece of remembrance for loved ones, and of looking forward with hope to the days ahead.
My sincerest thanks goes to the following people in making this premiere possible: to my teacher David Biedenbender for all of his valuable insight and guidance in helping me shape this piece; to Soo Han and the Michigan State University Concert Orchestra for their wonderful musicality and extraordinary passion for their craft; to the MSU Composition Studio for the wonderful opportunity of offering their annual Large Ensemble Composition Competition to all of their students; and finally, to all of my closest friends and family, whom I love dearly.
Anthem for Life is dedicated to my darling Eva, hereby my wedding present to her. You will always be dearest to my heart, now and forever.