The Spirit of the Sequoia
Grade 4 - Score and Parts
by Philip Sparke
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert Band - Grade 4

SKU: HL.44004956

Grade 4 - Score and Parts. Composed by Philip Sparke. Anglo Music Concert Band. Concert Piece. Score Only. Composed 2004. Anglo Music Press #AMP067. Published by Anglo Music Press (HL.44004956).

UPC: 073999893717. 9x12 inches.

The commissioner of this work requested a piece that characterized humankind's ability to overcome personal tragedy, a scenario which often leaves one with a philosophy of serenity. The composer decided to use the analogy of the sequoia, a generic name for the huge redwood trees, particularly the Californian redwood. The remarkable life cycle of these amazing trees involves them dropping seeds to the ground which require heat to open their shells and germinate. The redwood forests are frequently subject to fires which can destroy the mother tree but ironically also provide the impetus for their seeds to spring into life; the trees actually need a disaster to procreate. In a similar way, the human spirit can actually gain from setbacks - we become stronger after adversity. The music falls into sections which can broadly be characterised as doubt, conflict, catharsis, inner calm and, finally, triumph.