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.
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.
* 3 Flutes |
1 Baritone Sax |
* 2 Oboes |
* 4 Bb Trumpets |
1 English Horn |
4 Horns in F |
2 Bassoon |
3 Trombones |
3 Bb Clarinet |
1 Euphonium |
* 1 Bb Bass Clarinet |
* 2 Tubas |
2 Alto Sax |
1 Timpani |
1 Tenor Sax |
* 4 Percussion |
* 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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