Into the Ages
General Info
Year: 2015
Duration: c. 7:05
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Daehn Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $76.00 | Score Only (print) - $6.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto 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 I-II, including:
- Bass Drum
- Orchestra Chimes
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tom-Tom (3)
- Triangle (mounted)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
This musical tribute was commissioned by the Library of Congress on the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth. With beautiful, wistful melodies, fragments of Battle Hymn of the Republic and Dixie, and dramatic percussion scoring, Gay Holmes Spears creates a wonderful portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. The title draws from Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton’s quote upon Lincoln’s death, “Now he belongs to the ages.”
- Program Note from publisher
A brief introduction featuring solo flute accompanied by clarinets represents Lincoln as a young man. The opening three notes were chosen to spell the name “Abe” (A, B, E). A faster, full ensemble section with shifting meters, representing Lincoln’s challenges as he runs for office, includes a five-note motive scored in a rhythm as if speaking the name Abraham Lincoln. A contrasting section, representing the unhappiness some people felt over Lincoln’s election as President, the growing conflict, and ultimately war, draws from Battle Hymn of the Republic and Dixie. The sounds of gunshots and artillery come from the percussion section, A tranquil section representing reconciliation features solo euphonium as the two battle songs are united in harmony. Lincoln’s death is then represented by a mournful, dirge-like passage that leads to a triumphant closing section honoring the life and contributions of a great man.
- Program Note from The Instrumentalist
Media
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Into the Ages (2015)
- La Solana (1999)
- Silverwind (1995)
- Sourwood Suite
- Tudor Variations (2008)
- Vikings, The (1998)
- Wings of the Morning (1997)
Resources
- Heritage Encyclopedia of Band Music. "Gay Holmes Spears." Accessed 24 August 2016.
- "New Music Reviews." The Instrumentalist 70.7 (2016): 58. Print