As Long as the Stars Shall Shine

From Wind Repertory Project
Andrew W. Lawson

Andrew E. Lawson


General Info

Year: 2022
Duration: c. 14:00
Difficulty: VII (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Murphy Music Press
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $225.00   |   Score Only (print) - $50.00


Movements

1. Acknowledgement of Loss – 7:03
2. The Recollection of Memories – 3:05
3. The Joy of Heaven Awaiting – 3:42


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Organ (opt. Electric Organ)
Timpani
Percussion (6 players), including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Shaker (small)
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-Tam
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Dedicated to the memory of Sarah DelBene (1996-2021)

On December 2, 2021, one of my best friends, Sarah DelBene, suddenly passed away. We were all in complete shock. Sarah was a friend to everyone she met. She was a bright, shining star in every room she entered. In an instant, I was reminded of how delicate life is and how things can change at a moment’s notice. How do we deal with this -- the loss of a friend or family member, especially when it is so unexpected? How does a composer tackle something like this? And why would a composer tackle something like this? In the following days, I was on social media reading some of the fond memories being shared about Sarah, and a comment stood out to me – this comment became the title of this piece, As Long as Stars Shall Shine. I soon went online and searched the phrase, finding that it was a line from the alma mater hymn at Baylor University, where Sarah had received her master’s degree. At that point in time, I reached out to Sarah’s parents to ask if they would grant me their blessing in writing a piece to honor Sarah, and to try and capture some of the joy she brought into so many people’s lives.

As I began writing, I realized that this music was meant to address, and had to address, a wider audience and tackle three different thoughts, presented in three movements:

1. Acknowledgement of Loss. The first movement acknowledges loss of friends and loved ones. This begins with clarinets, soon followed by flute, euphonium, and tuba solos with piano. This peaceful, still calmness is then suddenly interrupted. The music wildly transitions into madness, a heart shattered by loss, a world unraveled by a sudden, devastating change. A more aggressive form of the original theme presented is heard from the brass. This is concluded by a setting of Nearer, My God, to Thee.

2. The Recollection of Memories. The second movement represents all fond memories of those who have left us -- the love and laughter remembered by all. A sense of adventure is in the air, soaring through our hearts and minds. The movement closes with an abbreviated statement of the original theme.

3. The Joy of Heaven Awaiting. The third and final movement brings with it new joy of a saint gone home. This final movement is comprised of two hymns, Amazing Grace and Old Hundredth (Doxology), with hints of the original flute theme spread throughout. The final response of an earthly tragedy and a heavenly victory—a shout of praise and thanksgiving.

As so many of us have experienced in our lives, the loss of loved ones, whether friends or family, is never easy and is often painful. We find ourselves saddened, angered, confused, depressed, in denial, and often reminiscent. We look back to remember our favorite memories -- the happy, joyous moments. We recall stories of fun, adventure, thrill, and laughter. As Long As Stars Shall Shine is meant to convey the sense of hope, healing, and joy found in these memories. I hope that this music inspires every listener to take pause and reflect on those whom they have loved and lost.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Texas Tech University (Lubbock) Concert Band (Joel Pagán, conductor) - 20 April 2023
  • Murray State University (Murray) Wind Ensemble (Dr. Brent Johnson, conductor) - 11 October 2022
  • University of Georgia (Athens) Hodgson Wind Ensemble (Jaclyn Hartenberger, conductor) - 21 April 2021 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by this Composer

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Resources