Redemption: Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble
2021
For Solo Trumpet and Wind Ensemble [2 fl. 2 cl. asx. tp. hn. 2 tbn. euph. tuba. tmp. + 3]
Duration: c. 12'
Written for Alex Strawn.
Premiered on May 11, 2021 by the Alexander Strawn and the Ryle Student Wind Ensemble. Andrew Strawn, conductor.
For Solo Trumpet and Wind Ensemble [2 fl. 2 cl. asx. tp. hn. 2 tbn. euph. tuba. tmp. + 3]
Duration: c. 12'
Written for Alex Strawn.
Premiered on May 11, 2021 by the Alexander Strawn and the Ryle Student Wind Ensemble. Andrew Strawn, conductor.
Program Note
In the spring of 2019, my brother, Alex, spoke to me with an idea. He wanted to work with me to write him a concerto for trumpet and wind ensemble. He gave me a title, Redemption. It was a title and an idea which, at first, I did not fully comprehend. Yet, as I worked my way through the piece, a narrative developed; an idea fostered; and a notion of what “redemption” meant emerged. It was not until I finished that everything came together. It was not until I stepped back from the music, viewing the world around me, I realized what it truly meant. Redemption is a story of challenge, a story of doubt, and a story of persistence.
All throughout the work, the themes are vying for attention. Each with its own identity and purpose. There is a bold theme, at the outset, which asks the question of the future. Follow this by two contrasting answers which are subverted not long after. No motive holds dominance. Until, we hear Alex’s theme. This is a theme Alex himself composed several years prior and still permeates my association of him. A simple, triple-time melody that is both haunting and curious; humble, but stately. It is this theme that as the composition continues to progress, succeeds. It is not unhindered, however. After the cadenza, which yearns with conflict, the ensemble and the soloist are still contrary. A contradiction that is only resolved in the final pages of the work, in which the full ensemble, finally, sings a single theme. Redemption, through its conflict of themes, tells the story of overcoming struggle and finding one’s destiny. It is a story that must be told and is crucial for many. I have witnessed it in my brother, and his apotheosis was and will always be truly beautiful. I see strength, dedication, and heroism in this beauty. But I also see compassion, patience, and reflection. Each quality is necessary for success. Through this composition, I hope to share my brother’s story; and I look forward to the triumphs of others to come.
All throughout the work, the themes are vying for attention. Each with its own identity and purpose. There is a bold theme, at the outset, which asks the question of the future. Follow this by two contrasting answers which are subverted not long after. No motive holds dominance. Until, we hear Alex’s theme. This is a theme Alex himself composed several years prior and still permeates my association of him. A simple, triple-time melody that is both haunting and curious; humble, but stately. It is this theme that as the composition continues to progress, succeeds. It is not unhindered, however. After the cadenza, which yearns with conflict, the ensemble and the soloist are still contrary. A contradiction that is only resolved in the final pages of the work, in which the full ensemble, finally, sings a single theme. Redemption, through its conflict of themes, tells the story of overcoming struggle and finding one’s destiny. It is a story that must be told and is crucial for many. I have witnessed it in my brother, and his apotheosis was and will always be truly beautiful. I see strength, dedication, and heroism in this beauty. But I also see compassion, patience, and reflection. Each quality is necessary for success. Through this composition, I hope to share my brother’s story; and I look forward to the triumphs of others to come.
| Redemption - Sample Score |