I flew out from Phoenix for the day to see this performance in person and it was absolutely incredible. I'm bummed that I'll probably never see this piece performed this well again.
I mean, lots of people perform this piece. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see somebody transcribe it for orchestra and organ…which could rival the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony easily.
He sure does. Last time I heard this piece in-person he was conducting the Dallas Winds. I sat in the choral terrace under the organ and it was a life-changing experience.
This work was commissioned by Maslanka by Jerry Junkin in the early 90s with a couple other Universities. So, he has been with the work since the premiere in 94.
Having played this on Bass Trombone at my university, that part was my absolute favorite part to play. Maslanka 4 has pushed me closest to actually passing out than any other piece I have played.
I graduated from high school 3 days ago. 3 days prior to that, we played this piece for our final concert. I'm sure it goes without saying that this piece isn't normally one a high school band should ever think of attempting. Yet, we played it. Sure, we didn't sound like a prestigious college band, but we sounded like a really good high school band. This year for us was a really good year, as we performed in the National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis as Union High School. One of the best musical experiences ever. This song holds a special place in my heart, not only being the masterpiece that it is, but as the final song that I played in my high school music experience, ending with being in a super, super solid group of musicians. Listening to it makes me think of life itself, and the experiences of going through high school in its good and bad moments. All the extremes of life, and all the little, quiet, easily overlooked moments in life. The overarching theme being the beauty of it all. I thank God for giving me the opportunities this year, and for creating music to be one of the most beautiful things in our world. Lastly, what a blast it was playing this. Super emotional, and super fun. 1st trumpet part goes crazy
Well done! STRONG performance of this epic composition! In April of this year I had the opportunity with my granddaughter to experience Maestro Jerry Junkin conduct the Dallas Wind Symphony as they performed this piece (with the massive Lay Family Organ at the Meyerson Symphony Center). It was absolutely magnificent and we were both quite emotional at the end. It was an experience I'll remember for the rest of my life.
Just played this at UMEA state today. Currently having post Symphony no. 4 depression and don’t know what i’ll do with my life after experiencing something so epic. Loved your guys’s performance of this ❤
I understand your sentiment. I played the solo in high school and it was all downhill from there. 😅 Jk…but seriously, relish in the experience. So few understand the joy that comes from being part of this piece. You are the cherished few.
This is the first proper listen to this Maslanka piece, and it is amazing. It astounds me how he is able to join together chaotic musical passages and slow moving lyrical parts so well. And that ending with the suspension releases is so perfect. Bravo to the Wind Ensemble for playing such a challenging piece!
