Music Department Scores

The Thaw

Title

The Thaw

Streaming Media

Additional Streaming Media

Files

Instrumentation

Piccolo, 2 Flutes, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet in B-flat, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon

2 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in B-flat, 2 Tenor Trombones, Tuba

Timpani, 4 Percussion, Harp, Soprano, Tenor, SATB

Percussion

  1. Marimba (4.3), Vibraphone, Large Tam-tam
  2. Large Concert Bass Drum, Wind Gong, Metallic Windchimes
  3. Kick Drum, 2 Toms, Bongos, Woodblocks, China Cymbal, Glass & Bamboo Windchimes
  4. 5 Temple Blocks, Sizzle Cymbal, Triangle

Program Notes

The Thaw for Soprano, Tenor, Mixed Choir and Wind Ensemble (2016) was commissioned by Rodney Dorsey for the University of Oregon Wind Ensemble and University Singers who premiered the piece on May 28, 2016 in the Silva Concert Hall at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts (Eugene, Oregon). The work is dedicated to the memory of University of Oregon mentors Anne Dhu McLucas, Lawrence Maves, Steven Larsen, and Charles Dowd.

I was drawn to the vivid detail and sensuality of Artis Henderson’s writing style, especially her honest portrayal of emotional pain and healing. Her poem, The Thaw, was written for this project; it draws upon imagery from Oregon’s rich, natural beauty to explore themes of love, loss and healing. The form of the musical work follows the text from a stunned and frozen stasis through the warming of spring.

I am grateful for artistic support from Rodney Dorsey, Artis Henderson, Sharon Paul, and Brian and Kaisa Amer.

Publication Date

2016

Document Type

Score and Audio File

Keywords

part songs, scores, band, soprano voice, tenor voice, vocal ensemble

Disciplines

Composition | Music

Rights

Copyright © 2014 Artis Henderson.
Text used by permission of Artis Henderson.
Copyright © 2016 Andrea L. Reinkemeyer (BMI).
All rights reserved.

The Thaw

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