SKU: GI.G-9035
UPC: 785147903505. English. Text Source: Stream of Life, verse 69 from Gitanjali, 1912. Text by Rabindranath Tagore.
I have recently been incredibly inspired by the writings of the great Bengali mystic Rabindranath Tagore, whose monumental collection of poetry Gitanjali won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. This book introduces the reader to a new awareness of the world that surrounds us, deepening the connection between nature and the human spirit that we all yearn for. Verse 69 is particularly joyful and life-affirming: an ecstatic realization of the energies that move in ceaseless ebb and flow through us, our lives, and our natural environment. Each individual line of this verse has a unique character and color, so I have placed each in a key that I feel suits the mood of the text. The constantly flowing ostinati that weave their way throughout are collectively a musical representation of the “stream of life†to which Tagore refers. This flowing line can be found even in the subdued third line of text, which makes reference to the “ocean-cradle of birth and of death.†In similar fashion, the more complex rhythmic cells found within the stream (e.g., measures 21–40) are a product of Tagore’s ecstatic tone. Ultimately this piece is simply meant to be an expression of joy. It is dedicated with great admiration to the commissioning ensemble, the Fort Myers High School Greenwave Singers, and their conductor Matt Koller. This tremendous ensemble is a prime example of choral music education in practice in the United States, and I feel honored to have been given this opportunity to work with them. —Thomas LaVoy.
SKU: GI.G-8407
UPC: 785147840701. English. Text Source: Trad. English carol, alt.
Uplifting and joyful, this spirited arrangement of the traditional English carol is an absolute delight. The text chronicles the life of Jesus through his baptism. This anthem is appropriate for use throughout Christmastide and for the Baptism of the Lord.
SKU: CL.012-3409-00
As the title implies, there is a dichotomy of spirit within the contrasting sections. But, there is also a mutual thematic development which makes this composition unique. After beginning with a lyrical introduction in which the trumpet invokes an expressive solo passage, the work then progresses with an energetic rhythmic pattern which offers and leads to a joyful spirit of celebration. A recapitulation of the original theme forms a variation to the end. This distinctive composition was selected by the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation to receive the NJSCA Fellowship award. Very nice!
About Heritage of the March
Full -sized concert band editions of the greatest marches of all time. Each has been faithfully re-scored to accommodate modern instrumentation and incorporate performance practices of classic march style
SKU: CL.012-3409-01