About the Score
The score is transposed. Instruments that sound at the octave or double octave are notated at written pitch. All of the parts may be played by multiple players at the conductor’s discretion for integrity of balance; except where indicated in the score. The performance tempo may be different than indicated in the score – providing that the character of the music is preserved; the conductor should find tempi that work best for the group.
Do Not Go Quietly Into That Dark Night was written August to November, 2011.
Program Note
Do Not Go Quietly Into That Dark Night was inspired by a poem of a similar name written by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (1914 - 1953). The poem was written for Thomas' father, who at the time was becoming weak and frail with old age. Hoping to inspire his father, the poem implies that one should not die without fighting for one's life.
In writing this piece, I tried to encapsulate the contrast between struggling with fear of the unknown and the celebration of life. I also attempted to couple this with the emotional and psychological development of a person throughout their life; the vivacious and energetic naïveté of youth (characterized by the piece's style at the outset) and the inner resolution and wisdom that come with old age (characterized by the piece's style at the conclusion).
– Joshua Jandreau, 2011
Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute I, II
Oboe I, II
Clarinet in Bb I, II, III
Bass Clarinet in Bb
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone in Eb I, II
Tenor Saxophone in Bb
Baritone Saxophone in Eb
Horn in F I, II, III, IV
Trumpet in Bb I, II, III, IV
Trombone I, II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Contrabass
Timpani
Percussion I, II, III, IV, V, VI
General Info
Duration: ca. 8'
Premiered: April 2nd, 2012
Performers: The University of Maine Symphonic Band, Christopher White, conductor
Collins Center for the Arts
Orono, ME