EIN FESTE BURG Download

Notes:
Beginning to bar 9:
The triplets in the 12/8 introduction are marked staccato and should be rendered short, except when an accent is indicated. In contrast, the duple figures, for instance in bars 5-7, are marked with accents and should have full length. Establishing the tempo moving from the opening timpani to the cornet figuration is vital. At bar 7, grade the sudden shifts in dynamics.
Bars 9-24: Commencing at bar 9, the initial presentation of the chorale melody Ein Feste Burg should be well sustained and full of sound, supported by a moving bass line. Note that the downbeat pedal tones from basses and euphoniums at bars 9, 14, 15, 18 and 19 are accented, and to be played at a full dynamic. At bars 14 and 19, the remainder of the band swells from a softer mezzo forte dynamic with staccato triplets. Retain a full dynamic and the tempo until the rallentando at bar 24.
Bars 25-51: At bar 25, a second presentation of the chorale melody, now in 4/4 time, requires a measured slower tempo played in a contrasting tranquillo style. Maintain forward motion in tempo, while enjoying the rich sonorities and observing the phrase markings for proper breathing. Note the quiet triplet figurations that bridge the chorale phrases and how the upper register 1st trombone melody commencing at bar 35 is reinforced by the flugelhorn. An affirmative closing phrase transitions into a bright fanfare section in 3/4 time at bar 45. Be sure to return to the preceding (listesso) tempo following the slight rallentando.
Bar 52 to end: At bar 52, the tempo suddenly shifts forward with the return of the introductory trumpeted triplets. Observe the sudden dynamic shifts at bars 56-57, growing into a dramatic allargando conclusion. Like the introductory bars, remind the players that accented duple eighths have length, while the triplet eighth notes are marked staccato.
[Note: For an audio version of Ein Feste Burg see the opening track on the Melbourne Staff Band recording, Rise.]
Program Note:
Drawing on the assurances found in Psalm 46, Len Ballantine's Festival Overture on Ein Feste Burg breathes new life into Luther's hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God.

This colorful selection uses three songs of contrasting idiom to portray a progression of the human condition from despair to triumph:

Although this is a more extended work (approximate duration: 9:00), the inclusion of optional introductions and endings provides added usefulness of presenting singular performances of these three songs as follows:
Sometimes I feel like a motherless child: Beginning to optional ending at bars 39-40.
Reach out and touch: Bar 42 to optional ending at bars 110-113.
Storm the forts of darkness: Begin with snare drum roll (can be a pause) one beat before 117. Play to end as written.

Program Note:
This beautiful setting for solo trombones and band of the folk song O Waly, O Waly is often associated with the words of Isaac Watts:Note to the Conductor:
We are pleased to present this sensitive setting as it was initially conceived for solo trombone. Written for the Amsterdam Staff Band's 2005 tour of the United Kingdom, it was later adapted as a feature for trombone ensemble, at the request of Salvationist Publishing & Supplies, where it appears in 2009 as General Series 2059.

We are grateful to SP&S for kindly giving permission to publish this solo version in the American Festival Series. Of this work, the arranger, Olaf Ritman writes: "I consider this song my personal testimony."

Beginning to bar 12: The accompaniment, particularly at the opening and closing of the piece, is atmospheric, with suspended muted chords supporting the rubato trombone solo. The judicious use of percussion (chimes, bass drum and suspended cymbal) will add to the color and mood. Be sure to cue the chimes at bars 3 and 6.

at bar 4, a clear downbeat cure for the bass drum will help clarify tempo following the soloist's pause. Also give attention to the muted sforzando in cornets and trombones in bar 8.

Bars 13-52: Following the ritardando at bar 12, it is essential for the conductor to establish the correct tempo at bar 13, allowing the soloist lyrical freedom and the ability to sustain long phrases as the tune begins at bar 16. The descending scale gesture at bar 39 should be measured, yet not overstated.

Bars 53-74: There is a slight slowing of tempo as soprano, flugel and horns take the theme while cornets, trombones and euphonium adding countermelody.

Bars 75 to end: Returning to the opening tempo, it will again be helpful to give clear cues for the chimes, bass drum and triangle from bars 75 to the end.

[Note: This solo can be heard on the Chicago Staff Band recording,Kurios, performed by Brett Tolcher]

Program Note:
The tune Randolph, by preeminent English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was first published in 1906 as a setting of Jeremiah Rankin's hymn, of which the first verse reads:
Note to the Conductor:
William Gordon's stunning four verse setting of Randolph progresses from the quiet simplicity of unison cornets and with each succeeding verse builds to a magnificent organ-like finale.

Gratitude is expressed to the publisher and copyright holder, Oxford University Press, for granting permission to publish this brass setting in the American Festival Series.

Beginning to bar 9: A ceremonial snare drum roll is the sole accompaniment to the cornets opening unison rendering of the tune.

Bar 10-17: The mellow instruments (flugel, horns, baritones and euphoniums) provide a beautiful change of color here with 2nd horn, baritones and euphonium seamlessly adding harmony.

Bars 18-26: A two beat snare and bass drum roll signals the entrance of the cornets and trombones in a more brilliant third verse setting. Here the bass trombone is essential (cued in Eb bass). Bring out the rising soprano cornet line from bar 22.

Bar 27 to end: A dramatic percussion roll precedes the "open pipes" organ like sounds of the final verse at bar 27. Be sure to observe the swell in bar 30, followed by a dramatic decrescendo before building to the final climatic chords. Avoid any tendency to overblow while striving for the full sonorities of this majestic finale.

[Note: this setting is especially effective when performed as a benediction "in the round" with players grouped by sections surrounding the audience.]