Passing by the River

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Piccolo, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 3, Horn in F 4, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabass — Passing by the River is about nostalgia, whether memories of a triumph or memories of a loss. Its title is derived from the repeating hymn-like melody, with the lyrics I wrote shared below. The piece is quite personal as it reflects summers of my high school years when I competed and won the gold medal in the NAACP ACT-SO annual competitions. With each medal, a recording of Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man was played, with its lush, but sparse Americana sound. These early experiences gave me the fortitude to pursue my passion for composition and forge ahead. Originally scored for electronic orchestra, I revised it for acoustic instruments.As we’re passing by the river,Memories flood of moments pastReverent sorrow mists to dew dropsKnowing he’s gone home at last. PASSING BY THE RIVER is a poignant 4-minute work, equally suitable for orchestras of all levels, from student through professional. It is nostalgic, looking back at both triumph and loss. Okoye’s preface recounts being inspired by Copland’s spare, Americana style while in her teens, leading her to develop her own compositional voice. The work’s title is derived from Okoye’s poem, which shaped the music’s repeating hymn-like melody.As we’re passing by the river,Memories flood of moments pastReverent sorrow mists to dew dropsKnowing he’s gone home at last.

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