Symphony No. 1

for wind band (2019)
Duration: 40’

I. Moderato risoluto
II. Scherzo
III. Lento
IV. Vivace agitato — Passacaglia

Mahler asserted that a symphony “must be like the world; it must contain everything”.  This conception of the form summarizes what I love about late 19th and early 20th century symphonies: their breadth of emotion.  My favorite symphonies are those that are emotionally exhausting, even cathartic.  I’ve long been interested in creating a piece to the same effect. 

Yet, as is true of many young musicians, I grew up in a school district without an orchestral program.  Instead, beginning in the fourth grade and all through high school, I played in wind bands.  I don’t mean this disparagingly – these experiences were both personally and artistically rewarding.  But there seemed to be a disconnect between my experiences as a performer and the rich symphonic tradition by which I was so fascinated.  With my Symphony No. 1, I intend to do my part in bridging that divide.  Composers are now beginning to explore the full expressive possibilities of the wind ensemble, writing works in this medium with the emotional gravity previously reserved for the orchestra. I hope to add my own voice to this discourse. 

This piece, at its heart, is a reflection of myself.  Its composition was a means of teasing out my own emotions.  About 40 minutes in duration, it explores a vast variety of themes and moods – some morbid, some humorous, and some intimate.  My hope is that the emotions contained within, being so significant to me, will resonate in kind with listeners.  And it would only seem fitting that, for such personal subject matter, I write for an ensemble that has been so formative in my personal development.

Symphony No. 1 was premiered in 2019 by the Rutgers Wind Ensemble, conducted by Kraig Alan Williams. The recording of this performance can be found below: