Composer

:

Frank Ticheli

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

Band Music

Compose Date

:

2000

Average_duration

:

10:33

"An American Elegy" is a band music composition by Frank Ticheli, an American composer and professor of composition at the University of Southern California. The piece was composed in 2000 as a tribute to the victims of the Columbine High School shooting that occurred on April 20, 1999, in Littleton, Colorado. The piece was commissioned by the Columbine Commissioning Fund, a group of musicians and educators who wanted to create a musical tribute to the victims and survivors of the tragedy. The premiere of "An American Elegy" was on April 22, 2000, at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, Colorado, conducted by Timothy Mahr. The piece has since become a staple of the band repertoire and has been performed by numerous ensembles around the world. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and emotional tone. The first movement, "Prologue," begins with a solemn and mournful melody played by the brass section. The melody is then passed to the woodwinds, creating a sense of unity and community among the different sections of the band. The movement ends with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the ongoing grief and pain felt by the community. The second movement, "Hymn," is a tribute to the victims of the shooting. It begins with a simple and beautiful melody played by the flutes and clarinets, which is then joined by the rest of the band. The melody is reminiscent of a hymn, creating a sense of reverence and solemnity. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into a quiet and reflective ending. The final movement, "Epilogue," is a celebration of hope and resilience. It begins with a fanfare-like melody played by the brass section, which is then joined by the rest of the band. The melody is joyful and uplifting, reflecting the strength and determination of the community to move forward after the tragedy. The movement ends with a triumphant and optimistic finale, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and renewal. Overall, "An American Elegy" is a powerful and emotional tribute to the victims and survivors of the Columbine High School shooting. Ticheli's use of melody, harmony, and orchestration creates a sense of unity and community among the different sections of the band, reflecting the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

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