Land of Tomorrow

From Wind Repertory Project
James Curnow

James Curnow


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General Info

Year: 2010
Duration: c. 6:30
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Curnow Music Press
Cost: Score and Parts - $65.00   |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass 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-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion

(Percussion detail desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Framed through variation around the old shaped note melody When I Can Read My Title Clear, this composition is full of expression and emotion. While traversing countless moods, the flow and continuity never falter, and the interest never fades. The band that plays at this level can only gain skill and knowledge through meticulous preparation of this enthralling composition.

- Program note by publisher


The name Kentucky comes from the Cherokee word kentahteh, which has several possible meanings including “the land of tomorrow,” “the meadow land,” and “the dark and bloody ground” (for the many battles fought throughout the state as the population moved west). Kentucky is known for its thoroughbred horses, coal mining, beautiful bluegrass countryside and the love of music. The development of singing schools and the camp meeting singing of the early 1800s (still popular today throughout the United States) brought together thousands of people to sing the great songs of the shaped-note or “fasola” singing tradition. Many collections of songs (Southern Harmony, The Sacred Harp, and Columbian Harmony, to name a few) were published to help teach the general public how to read music. Out of these many collections came hundreds of well-known songs, such as Amazing Grace, Holy Manna, Happy Land, Rock of Ages, etc.

In Land of Tomorrow the composer presents a fantasia depicting the beauty, grandeur, and long musical heritage of Kentucky through the use of one of the great shaped-note songs, When I Can Read My Title Clear (Text: Isaac Watts, Tune: Pisgah, one of the most frequently sung songs in Kentucky), in a free-form set of melodic and rhythmic variations. The tune first appears as a brass chorale (answered by a woodwind chorale) at the end of the first variation, and as a grand finale at the climax of the composition. All motivic and melodic material found in this fantasia is drawn from this classic shaped-note song.

- Program note by Santa Barbara City College Concert Band


Media


State Ratings

  • Virginia: V


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Santa Barbara City College Concert Band (Eric C. Heidner, conductor) - 12 May 2013


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Curnow, J. (2010). Land of Tomorrow [score]. Curnow Music: Milwaukee, Wisc.