Breathe

B R E A T H E for orchestra

Commissioned by the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music for the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra with gracious support from Justus and Elizabeth Schlichting

B R E A T H E for

orchestra

PROGRAM NOTE

“Drop Thy still dews of quietness

Till all our striving cease”

One of my favorite books to read and re-read has been Meditations of the Heart written by renowned theologian, Howard Thurman. A spiritual advisor to many including Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurman was a prolific writer and preacher who lived in San Francisco for a large part of his life. Meditations of the Heart is a collection of meditations and prayers on the beauty of humanity. I was deeply inspired by one section entitled “Still Dews of Quietness”, which urges one to “stay put for a spell”. Through his words, I wanted to take the gesture further by writing a piece that encourages others to simply reflect and breathe.

~ Copyright © 2021 CSJr. Music ~ www.coliversimon.com

-Carlos Simon

2 Flutes

INSTRUMENTATION

2 Oboes (English Horn)

2 Clarinet in Bb (Bass Clarinet in Bb)

2 Bassoons

2 Horns in F

2 Trumpets in C (bucket mute)

Percussion: Mark Tree, Suspended Cymbal (with wire brushes and bow), Woodblocks, Vibraphone

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Duration: ca. 10 minutes

Transposed Score