HYMN FOR DIANA (1997)

In memory of Diana, Princess of Wales

PROGRAM NOTES:

I composed Hymn for Diana the week of September 7, 1997. I wanted to pay tribute to Princess Diana's life and all that she represented to the people of this world.

The Hymn opens with a stately chorale that is the main focus of the work. Following is a brief lighter section with almost a waltz quality which builds to a rather short climax. There is at this point, a building of tension culminating in descending diatonic scale patterns. I thought of the memorial service on Sept. 6, 1997 from Westminster Abbey. At the conclusion there was this cascade of descending bells, so haunting and dreadful. I will never forget that sound.

The main chorale now returns in full glory. There is a diminuendo, then a short building of tension once again. The lighter waltz section returns and the piece slowly fades into the distance.

Although the work has a mournful quality, there is a touch of optimism and grace throughout. Very much like Princess Diana herself, And her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace

REVIEWS:

The final surprise, Hymn for Diana by Joseph Turrin, is a graceful elegy in a lightly melancholy style which is (according to the composer) intended to lift the listener's spirit with its elegance and gentleness, and I believe it succeeds in this. By Vernon Briggs for the BRASS BAND WORLD MAGAZINE (1999)

INSTRUMENTATION:

Eb soprano cornet, 9 cornets, flugelhorn, 3 alto horns, 2 baritones, 3 trombones, euphonium, 2 Eb tubas, 2 Bb tubas, percussion

DURATION:

5 min

PUBLISHER:

The Salvation Army