Creation of Faith, The

From Wind Repertory Project
Jodie Blackshaw

Jodie Blackshaw


This work is the fourth movement of the composer's Symphony No. I.


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 6:35
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Murphy Music Press
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $165.00   |   Score Only (print) - $25.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III-IV
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet (optional)
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
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
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum (concert)
  • Claves
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Glockenspiel
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Creation of Faith is the final movement in Jodie Blackshaw’s Symphony No. I, “Leunig’s Prayer Book.” It was inspired by four prayers written by Australian poet Michael Leunig. Each of the movement titles are derived from prayers that celebrate the arrival of a new season. Audience members are encouraged to embrace and internalize each prayer as the movement is performed, linking the elegance of Leunig’s verse to the musical impressions created by the composer.

Dear God,

We celebrate spring's returning and the rejuvenation
of the natural world. Let us be moved by this vast and
gentle insistence that goodness shall return, that
warmth and life shall succeed, and help us to
understand our place within this miracle. Let us see
that as a bird builds its nest, bravely, with bits and
pieces, so we must build human faith. It is our simple
duty; it is the highest art; it is our natural and vital
role within the miracle of spring: the creation of faith.

Amen.

The final movement injects hope into despair, releasing the audience from the heaviness of winter. In alignment with the prayer, “the returning and the rejuvenation of the natural world” is brought about by ascending, pedalled chords, resonated by mallet percussion and a single pedal note shared throughout the ensemble. From the opening to the beginning of the dance I have aimed to capture the feeling of flying through the air with “gay abandon”. Parts weave in and out around a simple flute melody, underpinned by pulsating, dove-tailed percussion. The dance is the rebuilding of human faith with “bits and pieces” as spring brings us warmth, wildlife and the return of goodness and faith in humanity.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • University of Wisconsin-Parkside Wind Ensemble (Laura Rexroth, conductor) - 4 May 2023
  • University of North Florida (Jacksonville) Wind Symphony (Erin Bodnar, conductor) - 22 February 2023
  • Florida State University (Tallahassee) Wind Orchestra (Richard Clary, conductor) - 20 April 2022


Works for Winds by this Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

Catergory: 2019