To the Virgin-Born

For two pianos, fiddle, and wind ensemble

Program Note

The chorale portion of this work for wind ensemble sets the hymn tune, Deus Tuorum Militum, from the Grenoble Antiphoner, 1753. While a number of hymn texts have been set to this tune, I was particularly drawn to the words in the Latin hymn, “From God the Father, Virgin-Born”, a hymn for Epiphany. This work portrays both a sense of conflict and of radiant light: themes found in the text. The dance features two antiphonal pianos, fiddle, piccolo, and percussion. These begin in a building flourish as a jig of sorts. Dance and chorale sections are generally disctinct in character and outline the formal structure of the work. Building toward the climax of the piece is a brilliant, percussive wall of sound that dissolves into the full statement of the hymn tune.

To-the-Virgin-Born-Perusal-Score