Composer

:

Ron Nelson

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

8:54

Savannah River Holiday is a composition for symphonic band by American composer Ron Nelson. It was composed in 1998 and premiered on April 16, 1999, by the United States Marine Band at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of life along the Savannah River. The first movement, "Dawn on the River," is a slow and peaceful introduction that evokes the tranquility of the river at sunrise. The second movement, "Jubilation," is a lively and energetic celebration of the river's role in the community, with a prominent role for the percussion section. The final movement, "Epilogue: Down to the Sea," is a reflective and contemplative coda that brings the piece to a peaceful and satisfying conclusion. Throughout the piece, Nelson employs a variety of musical techniques to evoke the sights and sounds of the Savannah River. The use of syncopated rhythms and jazz-inspired harmonies in the second movement, for example, reflects the influence of African American music on the region. The use of brass fanfares and sweeping melodies in the third movement, meanwhile, suggests the grandeur of the river as it flows out to the sea. Overall, Savannah River Holiday is a vibrant and engaging tribute to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Savannah River region. Its combination of traditional and contemporary musical elements makes it a popular choice for symphonic bands and audiences alike.

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