A celebration of perseverance, strength, and hope in the face of adversity. This piece honors the unwavering spirit of those who push forward, embrace challenges, and continue striving for a brighter future.
Timothy Mahr 202 5
I nstrumentation
C Piccolo
C Flute 1, 2
Oboe
B flat Clarinet 1, 2, 3
B flat Bass Clarinet Bassoon
B flat Soprano Saxophone
E flat Alto Saxophone
B flat Tenor Saxophone
E flat Baritone Saxophone
B flat Trumpet 1, 2, 3
F Horn 1, 2
Trombones 1, 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Piano (slightly amplified)
Percussion Distribution (6 performers): Timpani
Vibraphone, Chimes Marimba. Bells
Percussion 1 [two performers]
tam-tam, crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, snare drum, bass drum
Percussion 2 4 tom-toms
Duration: c. 1:00
Program Note:
When I was commissioned to create a brief concert-opening fanfare, I was impelled to write music that spoke to our times in the early months of 2025. We are challenged by disruptions to the normal order of things and we all find ourselves needing to make personal decisions about how to move forward It is a time when we must remain strong.
Might one minute of music allow listeners to experience resiliency in the face of challenge? This work begins in an almost carefree manner, only to be confronted by dissonant and aggressive materials that nearly overwhelm the piece. The power of a unified response to this challenge, building across the performers first as a single pitch, eventually strengthened by octaves, overcomes the threat, and there is a return to a welcome and hopeful consonance.
Resilience was commissioned by the Southeast Polk Wind Ensemble (IA), and their conductor Jacqueline Meunier, who provided a dedicatory statement for the score that well describes Resilience: A fanfare for our times :
Acelebrationofperseverance,strength,andhopeinthefaceofadversity. Thispiecehonorstheunwaveringspiritofthosewhopushforward,embracechallenges,andcontinuestrivingforabrighterfuture.
CoverPainting: “Resilience”Acrylicon 9X12 canvaspaper. TimothyMahr,createdduringthe composing ofthispiece.
A fanfare for our times
A
Timothy Mahr