(In memory of C.Dean Morris 1957-2009 and W. Francis McBeth 1933-2012)
Chorale: In Memoriam
Adagio, with sorrow q= 50
Concert Band / Grade 4 / ca.6:50 / (1980/2018)
The use of the minor second in this work specifically references "Caccia and Chorale," composed by Clifton Williams, who was both McBeth's teacher and friend. It also alludes to the minor second that is prominent in the Second Symphony by McBeth's classmate and friend, John Barnes Chance. Furthermore, this motif recalls McBeth's own "Kaddish" and Dean's composition, "In Memoriam," dedicated to Clifton Williams.
Printed Score (11x17) - $25.00
Printed Score and Printed Parts - $90.00
Printed Score and PDF Parts - $90.00
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• Parts are available as a Printed Master Set (one of each part) or as a PDF Master Set (one of each part), with permission to print and copy as many parts as you may need for your licensed ensemble only.
California High School, Whittier
Doug Nordquist, Conductor
(1981) L-R Craig Vire, Me, Dean Morris
My last visit with Dr. McBeth, 2011 Arkadelphia, Arkansas
(1980) L-R Shannon Scott, Rebecca Danner, Me, Dr. McBeth
Instrumentation
Woodwinds - Piccolo, Flute, 1-3, Oboe, Bb Clarinet 1-3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Eb Alto Saxophone 1-2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone Brass - Bb Trumpet 1-3, Horn 1-4, Trombone 1-3, Euphonium, Tuba, String Bass Percussion - Timpani, B.D., Cymbals, Gong Mallets - Chimes, Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Piano
Program Notes
The piece originally titled "Chorale" is dedicated to my good friends, C. Dean Morris and Dr. W. Francis McBeth, dating back to 1980. Dean and I were classmates at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, both having specifically chosen to study under Dr. McBeth. Dean was from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while I hailed from Southern California.
"Chorale" was composed in late 1979 and early 1980 for my Senior Composition Recital. The mental image I held while writing it was of the final moments in the life of Christ. It serves as a meditation on the sorrow and suffering of the rejected Savior, capturing the pain of nails piercing flesh, the agony of being suspended between Heaven and Earth, and His final cry of "...it is finished." Additionally, the "Crucifixus" movement from Bach's St. Matthew Passion greatly influenced this composition.
The first performance of "Chorale" took place in April 1980 by the Ouachita Baptist University Concert Band (conducted by Marvin Lawson) as part of my Senior Composition Recital, with both Dean and Dr. McBeth in attendance. Following the passing of both Dean and Dr. McBeth, the words "In Memoriam" were added to the piece.
The use of the minor second in this work specifically references "Caccia and Chorale," composed by Clifton Williams, who was both McBeth's teacher and friend. It also alludes to the minor second that is prominent in the Second Symphony by McBeth's classmate and friend, John Barnes Chance. Furthermore, this motif recalls McBeth's own "Kaddish" and Dean's composition, "In Memoriam," dedicated to Clifton Williams.
Dean was born in 1957 and passed away on July 8, 2009, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, and a gifted, humble composer. During our time as students of Dr. McBeth, Dean and I spent hours discussing our music and the our time in Dr. McBeth’s class. It was an enriching experience and opportunity for both of us.
Dr. W. Francis McBeth, born in 1933, passed away on January 6, 2012. He was a devoted husband, father, beloved teacher, friend, and an accomplished composer in his own right. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to express my gratitude to Dr. McBeth many times over the years before his passing. Being one of his students and experiencing the generosity that both he and Mrs. McBeth showed me is a treasured memory.
