Francis McBeth ranks as one of America's great composers. His music has a wide appeal for all audiences. It has inspired many other composers to imitate him. We became friends when I was diector of bands at Union University, TN and later when we were both stdents in the summers at Eastman School of Music. It is worth noting that a number of the titles of his works are from scriptures. Warner Hutchsion
My brother was just at All-District and the played this song, Except when it accelarated, they went to 132 beats instead of the 120 marked on his page. and after that it speeds up to 144 beats a measure. Really, it was awesome!
We mourn your passing, McBeth, as you did the passing of Claude Smith. The band and I honored your life with the performance of this song at MPA's today. I hope our performance did your masterpiece justice. Perhaps, now, you know what lies beyond death. This song's question is answered to you now. Rest in peace
Played this at All - Region today in Texas. Simply an amazing piece that has inspired me in so many ways, and as a composer myself, I am deeply thankful for the music i've played and studied by McBeth, and also for the impact he has implemented onto the world through his music. Maybe one day, i'll do the same.
What is the history/story behind this piece. When ever my highschool band teacher had ever pulled this out, something tragic would happen in the community or nation, and he's cased it, if not shredded, for good.
Obviously an old comment but for the benefit of anyone else reading this and wondering- it’s a reference to Psalm 137. “By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?” Psalms 137:1-4
Alex Andrews Probably lands in the V or VI category depending on the state. I seem to remember in college that we were told it is a V in many states so it does not get programmed by top bands.
