Though somewhat dark and dramatic in character A Million Suns at Midnight is ultimately a hopeful optimistic work evoking the struggles of humanity to grow achieve and evolve finally overcoming our fear (and its mostcommon manifestation: violence) to transcend our physical and mental boundaries. Individuals now possess an unprecedented technological capability for both creation and destruction and we must ensure that the million suns atmidnight are not those of fiery destruction but of bright hope.A Million Suns at Midnight is an appropriate and dramatic concert closer and is constructed so as to require minimal rehearsal time with the fullensemble allowing each section to work on their parts separately and assemble the whole quickly and confidently.NOTE: This work is available as a rental item directly from the composer. For details e-mailrental@stevenbryant.com. The score is also available separately for purchase from Hal Leonard.

This moving piece embodies all the simplicity of Russian Orthodox music, yet displays the sweeping beauty of Rachmaninov's lyricism. Conductors will appreciate the opportunity to teach extended phrases and legato style. 'Vespers' is the sunset evening prayer of the Orthodox Church, and during the canonical hours of an all-night vigil, the 'Ave Maria' would be sung at midnight, hence the 12 chime notes at the apex of the piece. For a special effect, the mallet parts can be doubled off-stage to simulate church bells. (2:40) / Concert Band

2nd Movement of portraits of the North. Par BUCKLEY ROBERT. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie