Serenity

Beautifully arranged by J. Eric Wilson along with the composer, this version for wind band maintains all the wonder and magic of the original choral work. The opening is ethereal and somber, with sustained chords in clarinets and bowed percussion supporting a delicate oboe solo. The middle section shifts the principal modality from minor to major, and the layering orchestration and rising tessitura creates a tremendous rush of energy that leads to a triumphant climax. The closing section returns to the timbre of the opening, but now painted with hopefulness and healing.