In
Praise of Music (2003) (fl./pic., oboe, Bb clar., F Horn, bsn.) - This
work was composed for the Golden Gate Wind Quintet. The inspiration
comes from "The Musicians Yearbook of 1895". This book contains a
saying about music for each day of the year. Eight sayings have
been selected for both their content and the ability to create contrast
between the eight movements. Below are the eight sayings and a general
description of how each one is treated:I. Fast & Majestic
With varied fire
He roused the trumpet and martial fife,
Or bade the lute sweet tenderness inspire.
Thompson
II. Slow & Lyrical
And ever against eating cares
Lap me in soft Lydian airs,
Married to immortal verse
Such as the melting soul may pierce.
Untwisting all the chains that tie
The hidden soul of harmony.
Milton
III. Moderate and Shimmering
We are often made to feel with a shivering
delight that from an earthly harp are stricken
notes which cannot have been unfamiliar to
the angels.
Edgar Allen Poe
IV. Fast, Rhythmic & Dramatic
Musical rhythm drives away weariness,
lessens fatigue, detaches the mind from the
painful realities of life, and braces up the
courage to meet danger.
Anon.
V. Slow & Lugubrious
In sweet music is such art,
Killing care and grief of heart
Fall asleep, or hearing, die.
Shakespeare
VI. Moderate, Light, Humorous
A rule drawn up in 1653 in Germany, signed by Emperor Ferdinand III:
"No man shall dare to perform on dishonorable instruments, such as hurdy-gurdies, bagbipes, and triangles, which beggars use for collecting alms, so that the noble art of music is brought into contempt by them."
VII. Slow and Reverent
The hallowed melody of magic song
Does to creation as a link belong;
Blending its music with God’s harmony,
As rivers melt into the mighty sea.
Schiller
VIII. Fast, Exuberant, Triumphant
Play to our nobler selves a strain triumphant,
To victory a call!
Then in the hour of temptation
We’ll soar above it all.
Francis Albert Doughty
This work is recorded by the Golden Gate Wind Quintet on the Emeritus label. Duration 20:00 Grade 4 $15.00
