American Hymn, An

Jason Nitsch

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Subtitle: A 21st Century Essay on the Revolutionary War for Band

General Info

Year: 2005
Duration: c. 4:25
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Grand Mesa Music Publisher
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $75.00 | Score Only (print) - $8.00

Instrumentation

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Letting his imagination run freely in this unique soundscape, Nitsch has created a delightful retrospective musical look back at the days of the American Revolution. The melodic materials are a combination of original themes and William Billings' Chester, put together in an entertaining and quirky mixed meter environment. Special scoring features are a rhythmic dialog between concert snare and parade snare, muted brass, and piccolo solos.

- Program Note adapted from publisher

An American Hymn was conceived to be a modern reflection on a revolutionary war marching song. Images of traditional fifes and drums dominate the opening section before giving way to a more contemporary offering. Fragment of the hymn are heard through the piece being tossed around the ensemble before finally settling in a tutti band setting. The piece offers a playful but occasionally moving musical journal through colonial America.

- Program Note from Beaumont Middle School Symphonic Band concert program, 14 December 2005

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown
Audio CD: Beaumont Middle School Symphonic Band (Teresa J. Elliott, conductor) - 2005

State Ratings

Louisiana: III

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Beaumont Middle School (Lexington, Ky.) Symphonic Band (Teresa J. Elliott, conductor) – 14 December 2005 (2005 Midwest Clinic)

Works for Winds by This Composer

American Visions (2006)
An American Hymn (2004)
As the Sky Begins to Clear (2021)
Baylor University Fanfare (2000)
Before I Go to Sleep (2022)
Beyond the Stars (2003)
Catching a Summer Breeze (2006)
Casu Consulto (2008)
Concerto No. 2 for Marimba (and wind ensemble) (2003)
Curse of El Rojo Grande, The (2007)
Cycle of Opposites, The (2008)
Dance of Fire (2006)
Dance Party (2022)
Danse Perpetuo (2022)
Death by Black Hole (2008)
Destination Cincopation (2011)
Dynasty (2005)
Elegy for a Ghost Town (2006)
Eternal Pursuit, The (2002)
Fanfare for Brass Choir (1999)
Ferris Wheel (2004)
Haunted Palace, The (2002)
Improbable Journey, The (2008)
In the Bleak Mid-winter (2001)
It Is Well... (2022)
Legacy (2006)
On the Banks of the River Shannon (2004)
Overture for Band - "Influences" (2001)
Phantoms for Brass Choir (2000)
Pictures for the American People (2002)
Santorini: Dance of the Gods (2006)
Shockwave (2014)
Tempest After Noon (2002)

Resources

Jason Nitsch website Accessed 19 January 2022