THE STORY BEHIND: Jennifer Higdon's "All Things Majestic"

Title: All Things Majestic

Composer: Jennifer Higdon (1962- )
Last time performed by the Rhode Island Philharmonic:  This is a RI Philharmonic Orchestra premiere. This piece is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, celesta and strings.

The Story:

"Having grown up in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains, and having hiked many of our parks, I have come to the conclusion that the National Parks are one of America's greatest treasures." - Jennifer Higdon

Commissioned by the Grand Teton Music Festival to commemorate its 50th anniversary, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s All Things Majestic is a four-movement suite which vividly captures the breathtaking beauty of the park which gave the festival its name. In Higdon’s own words, “each movement represents a musical postcard: the first, the grandeur of the mountain ranges, with their size and sheer boldness and the solidity with which they fill the ground and air; the second, the lakes and the exquisite mirror quality of reflection upon their serene surfaces; the third, the rapid flow and unpredictability of the rivers and streams … ever-changing and powerful, yet at times, gentle; the final movement pictures the experience of being in the parks, as in a vast cathedral … the beauty of small details such as flowers and plants, within the larger picture of forests and fields … every part contributing to the sheer majesty.”

Listening closely to Higdon’s dramatic use of bells, chimes, and harp in the first few bars, one can easily imagine oneself surrounded by the healing magic of nature. Once there, the journey becomes a kaleidoscope of perspectives, moving from grand statements by the brass and the full orchestra, to moments of shimmering intimacy with a small ensemble of strings laced with oboe.

Program Notes by Jamie Allen © 2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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