Starry Crown

From Wind Repertory Project
Donald Grantham

Donald Grantham


General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: c. 14:30
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Piquant Press
Cost: Score and Parts (Rental) - $300.00    |   Score (Purchase) - $45.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III-IV
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Timpani
Percussion I–II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong (Tam-tam)
  • Snare Drum (2)
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Tubular Bells (or Chimes)
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes (metal)
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Grantham provides the following notes about Starry Crown in the work’s preface:

Starry Crown is based on gospel music of the 1920s and 1930s from the Deep South -- a style sometimes referred to as ‘gutbucket’ gospel because of its raw, earthy and primitive character.  Three authentic tunes are used in this work: Some of These Days, Oh Rocks, Don’t Fall on Me!, and When I Went Down in the Valley.  The title of this work was derived from a textual reference in the latter song:

When I went down to the valley to pray,
Studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who will wear that starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way

These songs are used at the beginning and end of the piece.  The middle of the work recreates the atmosphere of the call-and-response sermons typical of this period. The preacher (represented by three trombones, then the rest of the brass section) make declamatory statements that the rest of the congregation (represented by the rest of the ensemble) responds to.  The exchanges become quicker and quicker until finally all join together in a very fast and exuberant chorus.

- Program Note from State University of New York, Fredonia, Wind Symphony concert program, 23 February 2017


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources