Suitable for Patriotic concerts.   Duration approximately 7 1/2 minutes.  See orchestration.   See Band Instrumentation.  See printable documents. See performances.   Audio Samples.

About Freedom Tower

Freedom Tower was commissioned by and dedicated to the USAF Heartland of American Band in celebration of their 70th anniversary.  1st Lt. Rafael F. Toro-Quinones, Commander/Conductor.  This work was commissioned in the Fall of 2012.  It seemed very appropriate to write a piece also dedicated to the completion of the Freedom Tower in New York, which occurred in 2013.  We as Americans owe so much to the men and women in our military who protect us, and the new Freedom Tower, or One World Trade Center, In New York City, is a symbon of what our military defends, a society that believes in Liberty and Justice for all.

For the composer this work represents many emotions.  As we celebrate the completion of the Freedom Tower, it is impossible to forget the tragedy that led to the creation of this new building.  The destruction of the Twin Towers and the date, 9/11, are forever burned into our national psyche.  Our society, which is based on freedom, was assaulted by terrorists from outside our borders.  This work has been written to celebrate the American spirit that will, in the words of President Kennedy, "pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty."  While you will hear references of the threats that our society has faced in this piece, its main theme is one of celebration for the resilience of the people of the United States and our way of life.  The work opens in a hymn-like chorale where one can hear the chanting of the word "freedom" similar to Tchaikovsky's decision to use a Russian Orthodox Troparion chanting "God save our people" to begin his 1812 Overture.  As Tchaikovsky's work celebrated the Russian's victory over Napolean, this work is meant to celebrate America's victory over outside terrorists.

The piece was premiered by the Omaha Symphony Orchestra, with Rafael Toro-Quinones conducting, at River's Edge Park on May 26, 2013 in Council Bluffs, IA. 

Orchestration

Strings

Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Bass

* Please note that this work has been orchestrated to allow the work to be performed without the 3rd flute, 2nd oboe, bass Clarinet, and 4th trumpet.  Also, one less percussion can be used when necessary.  When using only 3 percussionists, it is recommended that the mallet part be omitted with the option of performing the glockenspiel parts on celesta if a keyboard player is available.

Band Instrumentation

* The asterisks for the band version are the same as for the orchestral version (see above), with the exception of a possible optional tuba.

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Documents

Orchestration

Band Orchestration

About the Work

View the above link with Adobe Acrobat Reader.  

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Performances

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 Audio Samples

The four orchestral samples on this flash player are synthesized.  Just click the arrow or one of the tracks to start the player.  If you are a conductor or artistic administrator using a device that does not work with flash, use the contact page to request a link to the entire work.