"We fear them not, we trust in God" is a phrase from the American tune "Chester," composed in 1778 by William Billings, an important composer of the 18th century. Billings is well known as the first American choral composer, and he gained importance during the American Revolution for his music, which encouraged the desire for freedom. "Chester" was included in "The Singing Master's Assistant," a book of Billings' tunes, and quickly became a hymn of the American Revolution, being sung at the campfires of the Continental Army and played as a march.
This overture was composed by William Schuman, an American composer of the 20th century and one of the most important music educators in the country, known for his valuable contribution to teaching at The Juilliard School. "Chester" is the third movement of a larger piece called "New England Triptych," entirely based on Billings' tunes. It was first composed for orchestra but later arranged for wind band by Schuman.
The piece is variational and contrasting, presenting the main tune at the beginning sung by a woodwind and brass choir alternately, giving the responsorial sense typical of religious music. Subsequently, Schuman starts to play with the main theme more rhythmically, presenting it in compositional forms of the 20th century such as parallelism and bitonalism. This makes it an excellent example of past music transformed into a modern masterpiece.
SIUE Wind Symphony 2024-Victor Manuel Ruiz Vélez, conducting.
February 21, 2024. Dunham Hall Theater. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
5 окт 2024
