Gospel Song Fantasy
Bruce A. Stark
About this work:
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The beauty, depth, fervor and spiritual message of gospel music has inspired listeners and musicians the world over. In "Gospel Song Fantasy" the melodies of many well-known black spirituals (the roots of gospel music) appear: Amen, Michael Row The Boat Ashore, Joshua Fought The Battle Of Jericho, Amazing Grace, Just A Closer Walk, and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. While similar to a medley, I chose to call this a fantasy because of the many improvisation-like passages, the atmospheric character of the opening Amen, and the freedom with which I treated the material throughout.
The piece was composed in 2002 for trombonist Megumi Kanda for her CD "Amazing Grace", and premiered by Ms. Kanda in Tokyo in 2003. It was written with the intention of creating a vehicle of expression for the trombone's many unique qualities, from somber lyricism to robust, rhythmic brilliance.
Year composed: 2002
Duration: 00:15:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Keyboard plus One Instrument
Instrumentation: 1 Trombone, 1 Piano