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 1, Horn 1, Horn 3, Horn 4, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass — 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, arecording 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.

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