Program Notes

To a New Dawn

Philip Sparke, composer

To a New Dawn was commissioned by the United States Continental Army Band, Captain Timothy J. Holton, Commander and Conductor. The piece celebrates the third millennium—Philip Sparke intended to provide a work that both looks forward to the challenges of the new century, and also contains moments of reflection about the last one.

To a New Dawn was commissioned from Sparke in 2000 by the United States Continental Army Band to celebrate the 3rd Millennium. The work looks forward to the challenges of the new century and reflects on the last. It begins with a bright introduction featuring the trumpets with a perky theme which passes quickly through several keys, reappearing in the woodwinds. A solo trumpet takes up a new theme over bubbling eighth notes and leads to rhythmic figures starting in the low clarinets. A brass interlude follows with the oboe taking up a legato tune. The following Andante section features horn and trumpet solos and florid woodwind cadenzas, leading to a passionate climax. After a full recapitulation the work closes with a lively coda.

—published score

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