In Praise of Music

This work was composed for the Golden Gate Wind Quintet. The inspiration comes from "The Musicians Yearbook of 1895". This book contains a saying about music for each day of the year. Eight sayings have been selected for both their content and the ability to create contrast between the eight movements. I. Fast & Majestic With varied fire, He roused the trumpet and martial fife, Or bade the lute sweet tenderness inspire. Thompson II. Slow & Lyrical And ever against eating cares, Lap me in soft Lydian airs, Married to immortal verse, Such as the melting soul may pierce. Untwisting all the chains that tie, The hidden soul of harmony. Milton III. Moderate and Shimmering We are often made to feel with a shivering, delight that from an earthly harp are stricken, notes which cannot have been unfamiliar to the angels. Edgar Allen Poe IV. Fast, Rhythmic & Dramatic Musical rhythm drives away weariness, lessens fatigue, detaches the mind from the painful realities of life, and braces up the courage to meet danger. Anon. V. Slow & Lugubrious In sweet music is such art, Killing care and grief of heart Fall asleep, or hearing, die. Shakespeare VI. Moderate, Light, Humorous A rule drawn up in 1653 in Germany, signed by Emperor Ferdinand III: "No man shall dare to perform on dishonorable instruments, such as hurdy-gurdies, bagbipes, and triangles, which beggars use for collecting alms, so that the noble art of music is brought into contempt by them." VII. Slow and Reverent The hallowed melody of magic song, Does to creation as a link belong; Blending its music with God's harmony, As rivers melt into the mighty sea. Schiller VIII. Fast, Exuberant, Triumphant Play to our nobler selves a strain triumphant, To victory a call! Then in the hour of temptation, We'll soar above it all. Francis Albert Doughty This work is recorded by the Golden Gate Wind Quintet on the Emeritus label CD Fantasies and Realities.