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Description
This is the finished version of an orchestral piece that I began writing around the Fourth of July, 2005. It was inspired partly by congregational singing of the National Hymn that weekend at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edwardsville, Illinois.
That wonderful, stirring hymn opens with a true fanfare, and begins with this familiar verse:
"God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before thy throne arise."
It is possible to experience a deep love of country, even in the midst of dissatisfaction with government and personal feelings of cultural alienation. However, that kind of love and alienation produce tension, which is hopefully present in the opening movement, and throughout “American Plain.” But this is not a political piece at all. It is really a landscape. In fact, more than congregational singing, or love of country, this was inspired by the broad, almost endless landscape of the American Plain. I also chose that title because I believe this “symphony” is very plain. In fact, its composer is, too. As “American plain” as they come. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing?
American Plain (runs: 17:52)
I. Fanfare
II. Kansas
III. Progress & Destruction
IV. Hymn
Thanks to Mystified, who convinced me to keep expanding this beyond the original fanfare. Thanks also to pgreenstone, Alimar, MidiOrleans and Cameron for their ears and advice along the way. Thanks to Simon for upping the submission limit for mp3's to 30 mbs (this was 26 mb). Some of these movements were posted previously on MJ under different titles.
Finished!
Photo by Tom Atwood
near Shady Bend, Kansas
June 2004
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***In response to a question from Mungo about the final movement (Hymn), here is an excerpt from the song description when Hymn was originally posted separately on MacJams a couple of months ago:
Most of "Hymn" is original, performed by a virtual brass choir, but you will also hear woodwind variations on two actual hymns. The first, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," is one that I sang growing up in the First Baptist Church of Du Quoin, Illinois. The second, "Near the Cross," is another popular hymn I found in a tattered compilation, "The Modern Hymnal," which belonged to my grandmother. My father was the choir director at our church. Hymns are probably the single most powerful musical influence in my life. I believe they are still part of the fabric of America, although that fabric admittedly is growing worn and frayed, like my grandmother's "Modern Hymnal."
featured on
songs from the american plain
now available
the lost records™
That wonderful, stirring hymn opens with a true fanfare, and begins with this familiar verse:
"God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before thy throne arise."
It is possible to experience a deep love of country, even in the midst of dissatisfaction with government and personal feelings of cultural alienation. However, that kind of love and alienation produce tension, which is hopefully present in the opening movement, and throughout “American Plain.” But this is not a political piece at all. It is really a landscape. In fact, more than congregational singing, or love of country, this was inspired by the broad, almost endless landscape of the American Plain. I also chose that title because I believe this “symphony” is very plain. In fact, its composer is, too. As “American plain” as they come. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing?
American Plain (runs: 17:52)
I. Fanfare
II. Kansas
III. Progress & Destruction
IV. Hymn
Thanks to Mystified, who convinced me to keep expanding this beyond the original fanfare. Thanks also to pgreenstone, Alimar, MidiOrleans and Cameron for their ears and advice along the way. Thanks to Simon for upping the submission limit for mp3's to 30 mbs (this was 26 mb). Some of these movements were posted previously on MJ under different titles.
Finished!
Photo by Tom Atwood
near Shady Bend, Kansas
June 2004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
***In response to a question from Mungo about the final movement (Hymn), here is an excerpt from the song description when Hymn was originally posted separately on MacJams a couple of months ago:
Most of "Hymn" is original, performed by a virtual brass choir, but you will also hear woodwind variations on two actual hymns. The first, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," is one that I sang growing up in the First Baptist Church of Du Quoin, Illinois. The second, "Near the Cross," is another popular hymn I found in a tattered compilation, "The Modern Hymnal," which belonged to my grandmother. My father was the choir director at our church. Hymns are probably the single most powerful musical influence in my life. I believe they are still part of the fabric of America, although that fabric admittedly is growing worn and frayed, like my grandmother's "Modern Hymnal."
featured on
songs from the american plain
now available
the lost records™
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Mystified
There is definitely something to be said for plainness--and it's not a bad thing at all.
In this case, the unfettered 'plain' of this composition allows for an unobstructed view.
A beautiful vista.
I'm glad you posted this gift, and are so free....and yes, so 'plain' with your extraordinary musical talent.