FANTASY ON AN AMERICAN FOLK HYMN (2011)

 Program notes from the World Premiere

           Fantasy on an American Folk Hymn was written for Don McMahel (1921-2012) and Phil Thomas (b. 1964) to be performed by the Indiana University Southeast Concert Band for their fall concert in 2011. It is based on the hymn 'What Wondrous Love is This' by William Walker, author of the Baptist Hymnal, The Southern Harmony (1835). The hymn's text refers to a common Christian belief that God has an unconditional love for all of us and welcomes us to his kingdom after death. With respect for the Christian beliefs I myself share, I wanted to relate the hymn to a more artistic interpretation of life; to how I believe that we are all artists because we all create, and that our creations make us immortal after our bodies have passed. The text in the last stanza, which is sung by a Soprano in this piece, reflects this philosophy and has also become a very personal text to me as a Christian and as an artist.

THE TEXT

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on.

And when from death I'm free. I'll sing on.

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be.

And through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on.

And through eternity I'll sing on.

Recording from the World Premiere on November 6, 2011.

Indiana University Southeast Concert Band, directed by Phil Thomas

Note: This work is registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). If you would like to perform this piece please ensure that you contact them before the performance.