Symphony For Winds #1 (English) (2024)
Instrumentation: Level 6 Wind Ensemble
Approx. Running Time: 16:00
I believe many Americans who are as curious as I am about history go through a phase of admiring British culture of the 20th century: George, Edward, Chamberlain, George again, Elizabeth… Churchill. I recently went through a reading marathon of anything to do with Churchill, a personal favorite historical figure of mine.
What I find most interesting about British culture of the early 20th century is the almost perpetual feeling of reservation present in all aspects of the culture: the “keep calm and carry on” sentiment, the lack of raised voices, the silent determination of the public, the general stoicism. You also hear it in the master English composers of the early 20th century: Holst, Elgar, Vaughn-Williams, and Walton. Even at their most bombastic moments, they show far greater restraint than Puccini would ever consider.
Britain. I like to think of this work as a narrative commentary on the nation just before and during the period of the
second “Great War.” Certainly, the great and guiding influence of those composers listed above inspired me during the
composition process. Below are some thoughts you may have at any point listening to a movement.
Movement 1:
Kensington…The country waits…The country watches…Appeasement …Munich…Life as
Normal…Mobilization…Winston…Preparations…War…The Battle of Britain…
Movement II:
1940…London Streets…Night…Fog…Blackout conditions…Uncertainty…Silence…A small gesture of hello from a
stranger…the occasional bombed-out house…. Will the sirens sound tonight?
Movement III:
Peace…Reflection…Reconstruction…Victory…Yet, at what cost?
Purchasing the score/parts set grants you all PDF files, 1x coil-bound score (11 by 17) and 1 printed copy (per part) of each booklet printed on 12 by 18 paper.