Lowry: "The American Dream - An Anthem" (Demo Recording)

This is the demo recording of my original composition "The American Dream - An Anthem," for string orchestra. It was recently publicly read by the Middle TN State University Chamber Orchestra, and it will receive its formal premiere in Rochester in December 2011 by the New York All-State String Orchestra; following this, it will be performed by the Curb Youth Symphony in Nashville, TN. This demo is meant to provide a good reference recording as well as a glimpse of the score for "perusal" purposes (apologies for the less-than-ideal resolution; obviously the real score looks much cleaner). Here are the program notes:

"I wrote this piece during a time of personal reflection—a time when I was thinking about what it truly means to be a modern American composer. I had recently taken a course in college on American Music and learned much about our musical heritage and traditions. Throughout the country's history, music has always been evolving and taking on characteristics and influences from the music of other countries and cultures, including the Native Americans. Important pioneers of American classical music, such as Edward MacDowell, Henry Cowell, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein (just to name a few), heavily alluded to past traditions in their music and thus truly paved the way for American composers for years to come. I have repeatedly reflected on these things, and this piece is a culmination of those musings as well as an homage to the great composers and rich musical history of America.

"The piece comprises three basic ideas. One of these is a spirited, almost patriotic theme, which presents itself first in 7/8 and then in a steady 4/4 time. The second idea is a slower variation on the theme in 3/4, which is the basis for the slow middle section. The last idea (which ironically is the first one presented) is a broad, sweeping gesture that begins the piece, ends it, and ties everything together. All three of these musical ideas can be related to the tenets of the American Dream, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. This piece is meant to invoke a feeling in the listener—perhaps a feeling of patriotism or a feeling of unity. This feeling will be different for everyone, but, regardless of what that feeling is, I hope the piece will resonate with the listener and remind everyone that, even during the trials and tribulations of today, America is one nation—united we stand."

Nathan Lowry, violin solos; Christopher Lowry, viola solos; Justin Goldsmith, cello solos. EastWest Symphonic Orchestra (Gold Edition).
Composed/Notated in Sibelius 6.
Sequenced in Cakewalk SONAR 8.5
Mixed in Audacity (preliminary) and Logic Pro 9 (final).

This piece (and recording) is copyright 2010/11 by Christoper Lowry.
After the performances in December, I will make the score/parts available for purchase or rent. Message me for additional details.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Lowry
• American
• Dream
• Strings
• StringOrch
• Orchestra
• Symphony
• Symphonic
• Chamber
• Violin
• Geige
• Viola
• Bratsche
• Braccio
• l'alto
• Cello
• Violoncello
• Double
• Bass
• Contrabass
• NY
• Allstate
• NYSSMA
• 2011
• East
• West
• Quantum
• Leap
• EWQLSO
• Avid
• Sibelius
• Sib6
• Cakewalk
• Sonar8.5
• Producer
• Logic
• SpaceDesigner
• Convolution
• Reverb
• Celebration
• Overture

[TheMusicOfAfterHours]

We are playing this at New York All State Orchestra at the beginning of next month! i cannot wait its an awesome piece

[cyrusofthesun]

Yeah Chris! This is incredible!

[TimeSignatureManiaq]

Very nice. :)