Testament

Testament2022-08-26T01:00:33+00:00

Project Description

Wind Ensemble
2002
12 min.

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Illinois State University Wind Symphony, Stephen K. Steele, cond.
On the album, Maslanka: Piano Concertos, Testament, Traveler, Symphony No. 4 (2005)

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Instrumentation

Picc Fl-3 Ob-2 EbCl BbCl-3 BCl CbCl Bsn-3(3»CBsn) ASx-2 TSx BSx | Hn-4 Tpt-3 Tbn-2 BTbn Euph Tuba DB | Pno Timp Perc-4

  • Piccolo
  • Flute (3)
  • Oboe (2)
  • Clarinet in E♭
  • Clarinet in B♭ (3)
  • Bass Clarinet in B♭
  • Contrabass Clarinet in E♭
  • Bassoon (3) (3 doubles Contrabassoon)
  • Alto Saxophone (2)
  • Tenor Saxophone
  • Baritone Saxophone
  • Horn in F (4)
  • Trumpet in B♭ (3)
  • Trombone (2)
  • Bass Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba
  • Double Bass
  • Piano
  • Timpani
  • Required Percussion 4 players
    • xylophone
    • Marimba
    • Chimes
    • Anvil (suspended)
    • Vibraphone
    • Temple Blocks
    • Snare Drum
    • Crash Cymbals
    • Gong (med.)
    • Tam-tam
    • Cabasa
    • Orchestra Bells
    • Claves
    • Tom-tom (v.sm.-sm bongo opt)
    • Suspended Cymbal (lg.)
    • Bass Drum
For wind ensembles and concertos, please use one player per part. For symphonies and concert pieces, more players may be used as desired. David’s full statement.

Program Note

A testament is a statement of belief, in this case in the power of music to harmonize and to heal. Testament was written in response to the events of 9/11. Out of the initial stunned confusion has come my firm conviction that making music is now more important than ever.

In preparing to compose this piece I wrote the following poetic statement. It is both a prayer and a credo.

When I consider the darkness that we carry,
the pain we inflict – on those close to us, and on those we don’t even know,
the death we bring through rage, ignorance and indifference,
I say “Please God, help us to melt the rage into love,
And love into understanding and acceptance.

“When I consider a world where we are at each other’s mercy,
where evil can be done to anyone, by anyone, anywhere,
I say “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
Teach us how to forgive; teach us how to be forgiven,
because it is not a simple business…

When I consider music, my center, my life,
the great harmonizer, the channel of living energy,
the open channel of the soul, God’s voice in each of us,
bringing souls all over the world to peaceful union,
a living past, a living present, a living future,
I say “How beautiful it is! How beautiful it is! How beautiful it is!”

Testament was commissioned by a consortium of high schools and universities headed by Joseph Grzybowski, Director of Bands at L.D. Bell High School, Hurst, Texas.

Further Reading