In response to client inquiries for 9-11 and Civil War observances, we are providing you with a few appropriate choices.

VIRGINIA, 1861

for Chorus, Children's Choir & Orchestra      Words adapted from Herman Melville and James Joyce.
by Robert Wendel
 
Description: For the sesquicentennial of The Civil War, this work is based on an 1861 Civil War poem by Herman Melville and a 1907 poem by James Joyce. This work is alternatively angry and joyous, pensive and hopeful, warlike, and ultimately peaceful. Though generally employing a more traditional and "accessible" musical language, this work is often very untraditional in its content.
Instrumentation:2+Picc/2/2+BCl/2 - 4/3/3/1+Opt Euph. - timp + 3 perc, harp, piano/celeste, strings, SATB chorus, Boys [or childrens] Choir.
Duration:approximately 15 minutes.
Notes: Currently seeking a premiere performance.

COMMEMORATION

by Robert Wendel
Description: An original work by Robert Wendel that is a sort of "double trumpet voluntary" suitable for any occasion of importance or remembrance. Starting as almost a funeral march, it builds slowly and relentlessly to a life-affirming conclusion.
Instrumentation2+picc/1 + E. Hrn/2/2 - 4/2,3,or 4 Trumpets/3/1 Timpani, 2-3 percussion, optional organ, and strings
Duration:3:45
Comments: "...a penetrating work." — The Cleveland Plain Dealer
Notes: Though composed and premiered in 2000 to remember the unexpected passing of two long-time friends, Commemoration was performed numerous times around the country in the months following the 9-11 attack, most notably on a 7 city tour by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops. It was also played at the Kennedy Space center launch pad in a memorial concert for the Challenger Astronauts and was featured on the 2006 National Memorial Day Concert to mark the opening of the WW II memorial, telecast Nationally May 28th & 29th on PBS with Erich Kunzel conducting the National Symphony, again as part of the Lincoln Tribute on the 2009 live telecast, and yet again on the 2011 telecast for Gen. Colin Powell's welcoming home of our troops.
This work has been recorded by Sean O'Boyle & The Tasmanian Symphony for ABC Classics, and a CD quality download of this work from the album "American Reflections" is available at CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.com
Cost:$190 Rental Only.

TOWERS OF LIGHT - An Elegy for Orchestra

by Robert Wendel
Description: This work was inspired by memories and impressions of the annual light tributes held at "Ground Zero" in NYC every year. It depicts the Hudson River at sunset and the Manhattan skyline playing with light. As darkness descends, the light "towers" gradually appear, reaching ever upwards. Dust, clouds, and smoke swirl within the light columns, as if ascending towards the infinite. Finally, gradually, the light towers fade into morning twilight, not to be seen for another year.
Instrumentation:2/2(2d EH)/2/2 - 2(or 4)/0/0/0 - timp, 2 perc, celeste, harp, and strings
Duration:7:00
Cost:$200 Rental Only.
Notes:This work placed 4th nationally in the 2011 "American Prize for Orchestral Composition."
Notes: The RSO gave this mournful contemporary work an exquisite interpretation, and the audience, held in its spell, respectfully waited a couple of beats before they applauded. - Libby Parker, The Rockford Register Star Review, 7/5/2011
Notes: A CD quality download of this work from the album "American Reflections" is available at CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.com

AMERICAN HYMN

by Nancy Bloomer Deussen
Description: Nancy Bloomer Deussen's newest work for orchestra is a stirring tribute to America, beginning almost pensively, but building to a stirring climax. World Premiere by The Diablo Symphony conducted by Joyce Johnson-Hamilton on July 1, 2, and 3, 2005. It carries the inscription: "In appreciation of how fortunate I am to be a citizen of this great nation."
Instrumentation:2+Picc/2/2/2 - 4/3/3/1 - Timp, 3-4 perc - Harp, and strings.
Duration:5:25
Cost:$225 Rental Only.
Notes:This work has been recorded by Robert Ian Winston and The Kiev Philharmonic for ERM Media.

FANFARE FOR FREEDOM

by Robert Wendel
Description: An original composition by Robert Wendel, rapidly becoming an often-programmed opener for Memorial Day and 4th of July concerts with its blazing trumpets, thundering timpani, and pealing bells with over 250 performances to date.
Instrumentation:2+picc/2/2/2 - 4/3/3/1 - Timpani, 2-3 percussion, opt piano, and strings
Duration:3:30
Cost:$190 Rental only.
Notes: This work served as the July 4th Concert opener for the Atlanta Symphony 7 years in a row, was conducted by Erich Kunzel numerous times in Cincinnati, Naples, and on tour, and has been frequently performed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day across the country every year.
Notes: A CD quality download of this work from the album "American Reflections" is available at CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.com

SPIRIT OF FREEDOM

by Tracey Rush
Description: Commissioned and premiered by the Dubuque Symphony in 1997, this work has had many performances since then. Now Tracey has gone back and made some revisions, especially in the finale, and added an optional 4th trumpet for more excitement than ever. This one will definitely get your audience cheering and waving their flags and we are proud to now be your source for this newly revised classic!
Instrumentation:2+picc/2/2/2 - 4/3(4)/3/1 - Timp, 3 perc and strings.
Duration:3:35
Cost:$150 Rental Only.

A FIELD IN PENNSYLVANIA

by Nancy Bloomer Deussen
Description: In moving tribute to the passengers and crew of UA Flight 93 that crashed near Shanksville, PA, Nancy Bloomer Deussen brings us a work of passion, reflection and triumph.
Instrumentation:2+picc/2+E Hn/2+B Cl./2 - 4/3/2/1 - Timp, 3 percussion and strings.
Duration:7:10
Notes: World premiere: Camellia Symphony, Sept. 9, 2007 Pennsylvania premiere: Hershey Symphony, November 11, 2008
Cost:$225 Rental Only.

MEDITATION

by Robert Wendel
Description: An adagio-threnody for string orchestra was given honorable mention in the 2007 Fauxharmonic "Adagio Contest" for its "...outstanding quality and emotional power."
Instrumentation:Strings only.
Duration:5:30
Notes: World premiere: University of Wyoming Symphony, Feb. 25, 2010. Dr. Michael T. Griffith, conductor.
Cost:$100 Rental Only.
Notes: A CD quality download of this work from the album "American Reflections" is available at CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.com

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