Weber State University Department of Performing Arts Presents:

WSU Symphonic Band

After the traditional “Star Spangled Banner,” works will include a
rousing overture, “Masque” by English composer Kenneth Hesketh, and
the “Second Symphony (op.44)” of American Composer, James Barnes.
Barnes is most well-known for his major works composed for the United
States Air Force Band, all requiring multiple soloists and featuring
virtuosic band writing. The brilliant “Second Symphony” and his “Third
Symphony” are not frequently performed because of their difficulty,
but are considered some of the most significant music for the 21st
Century American band medium.

Also on this performance will be a World Premiere. Written by
Symphonic Band conductor, Thomas Root, “Under the Rose” is a work
based on a short piano composition by JS Bach. It is written in a
theme and variations form containing six variations. The work retains
the Baroque quality of the basic theme, but is modern in its melodic
and harmonic content, featuring many soloists, much delicate writing
for double reeds, and a challenging variation for flutes alone. The
highlight of “Under the Rose” is a massive fugue written largely in an
18th Century style, followed by an equally large closing chorale. The
chorale portion of the work will feature Ogden Organist, Rulon
Christensen, performing with the Symphonic Band. Finally, on the
program will be another composition by Thomas Root, “Desert Light,” a
tone poem written to depict the beauty of southern Utah.

This performance and the world premiere of “Under the Rose” are
dedicated to Tanner Holst, band member and bassoonist, who tragically
passed away during the last school year. “Under the Rose” was being
composed at the time of Tanner’s death and he commented that he liked
the work, which ultimately led to a new direction of the
composition. A newer version of “Under the Rose” resulted during this
past summer, in which key portions feature solo or soli bassoon
written in tribute to the memory of Tanner Holst. The published
version of this work will be dedicated to him.