New Millennium, Different World,
New Beginnings (2003)
GRADE 5 • 12:30 • published by C. Alan Publications
Performance: Mansfield University Concert Wind Ensemble | Conductor: Dr. Adam F. Brennan Corporon
PROGRAM NOTES
New Millennium, Different World, New Beginning is designed to be a musical timepiece reflecting significant events of the beginning of the twenty first century. The opening movement, New Millennium, begins with an exploding brass and percussion fanfare symbolizing a new time in modern history. The music evokes the awe and magnitude of a new era as the year 2000 arrives in sequential order from time zone to time zone and celebration to celebration. The rumble of the percussion suggests the images of the spectacular firework displays that lit up the skies of many major cities worldwide. The second half of the movement paints a mosaic of celebrations. This section of the movement also develops into a ritual-like celebration as various cultures celebrate in their own way, the beginning of a new millennium.
The second movement, Different World, is a sobering look at the emotions and images of the aftermath of September 11, 2002, a day that created, in many peoples mind, a different world. The most compelling scenes of post 9-11 to the composer were that of family members and friends frantically searching for loved ones only to have their hopes diminish day by day. For many, the long search ending in the painful realization that their loved one had perished in this horrible tragedy. The middle section of this movement includes a meditative hymn-like melody the composer uses as a hymn reflecting fading hope. The emotion of the music eventually portraits a section of anger which, in turn, is rotated into a meditative prayer for the victims who have died and a hope for greater peace in this world.
Despite human tragedy, humankind has always looked ahead for hope in the idea this world can be made better. The final movement, New Beginnings, reflects the acts of goodwill and generosity that, in their own individual ways, can and will have a positive impact on modern society. It is through these acts of munificence that we, as a prosperous people, can make a significant difference and provide a better life for the sake of all humankind. It is never too late for new beginnings from one generation of humankind to the next.
In particular, this movement is a celebration of the generosity and goodwill of Donna and Marvin Schwartz, who have given unselfishly of themselves to create a new beginning for Emory University in the form of a new performing arts center. Composer Roger Cichy has incorporated the word rhythm “Don-na and Mar-vin Schwartz” (a 7 syllable grouping) as the underlying nucleus throughout this movement. The beginning section of this movement highlights a melody based on a 7/8 meter. Further in the piece, the meter changes to 7/4 (still incorporating the rhythmic impulse of seven) and fuses a variety of cultural musical styles to create a sort of collage of cultural dynamics.
INSTRUMENTATION
Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe 1 / English Horn, Oboe 2, Bassoon 1 & 2, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bb Contrabass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone
Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 - 4, Trombone 1 - 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba
Percussion: Timpani (& Guiro), Percussion 1 (bass drum, tam-tam, snare drum, wood block, tambourine, timbales, small cowbell, suspended cymbal, claves), Percussion 2 (bass drum, 4 concert tomes, crash cymbals, temple blocks, suspended cymbal, vibraslap, vibraphone, slapstick, devil chaser, small shaker, tam-tam, 2 triangles w/water bowls, finger cymbals, orchestra bells, tambourine, conga srum, large hand drum), Percussion 3 (chimes, vibraphone, xylophone, orchestra bells, claves, maracas, shaker)
Strings: String Bass