PROGRAM NOTES
Distillation of Sublime is scored for brass quartet, percussion,
timpani and organ. It was commissioned by and is dedicated to
St. Matthew Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoboken, New Jersey, in
honor of their 150th anniversary. The work is loosely based on
the hymn "Engelberg", by Charles V. Stanford (1852-1924).
The original hymn tune is heard rather clearly in some sections
of the work, while other sections manipulate and expand the hymn
materials.
Although celebratory in nature, the work reflects my own personal
relationship to God and spirituality, emphasizing a more intimate,
lyrical and meditative connection. This becomes even more apparent
in the finale, in which the mood is one of subtle, contemplative
joy, quiet perhaps, but blissful nonetheless.
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