“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.Though passion may have strained, it must not break ourbonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swellwhen again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angelsof our nature.”
inspirational plea for reconciliation fromAbraham Lincoln’s first inaugural address on March 4th1861 was the starting point for a fifteen minute concertofor oboe and strings. It is divided into two continuousmovements, separated by Taps, the bugle call which isplayed traditionally for funerals or at sunset. In the firstmovement the oboe’s material is largely based on fanfaremotifs, heard distantly against sustained strings, then in amore dynamic form as part of an Allegro moltomovement. Contrasted with it is a series of widely spacedmuted string chords based around the interval of theperfect fifth, the “mystic chords of memory”. The war-likeclimax leads to utter stillness as Taps is sounded, and fromwhich emerges a gentler, lyrical oboe theme evokingcompassion for victims of war and violence. Over amurmuring string texture the oboe presents the “betterangels” theme, a pianissimo, descending, modal melodythat expands and transforms its intervals each time it isrepeated. The violins take up the theme, then the celli, tillthe whole ensemble sings it in affirmative forte octaveunison. A contrasting rising oboe phrase based on theharmonic series leads us to a peaceful conclusion as the“better angels” theme dies away.
mmissioned by and is dedicated to EmilyPailthorpe. First performed by Emily Pailthorpe with theRedlands Symphony, conducted by Gordon Hunt on 29June 2013 at the 42nd Annual IDRS Conference at theUniversity of Redlands, California.
- ISMN: 9790708129042 (M708129042)
