Echoes of an Era

Echoes of an Era is a musical portrait representing a past where life for our ancestors was simpler and less frantic than it is today for us. Programmatic in nature, the piece opens with two expansive and sweeping themes, written in a cinematic style, that include many modulations. After passing through the entire ensemble, a transition follows into a lively setting of The Blue Juniata composed in 1844 by Marion Dix Sullivan. It was one of the most popular parlor and minstrel songs of the 19th century and the first commercial hit written by an American woman. A brief storm arrives out of nowhere but soon gives way to a toe-tapping hoedown featuring the traditional fiddle tune Fisher's Hornpipe. The two tunes combine in counterpoint and soon return to the initial opening themes followed by a massive Hollywood ending! All players in the band have a fun and challenging part with some very special solos!