RiverField

RiverField, for brass band - Jim Stephenson (2023)
RiverField, for wind ensemble - Jim Stephenson, trans. Robert M. Schwartz (2024)
Duration: 5 minutes

Wind ensemble instrumentation:
Flute 1-2, oboe, english horn, Bb clarinet 1-3, bass clarinet, bassoon
Alto saxophone 1-2, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone

French horn 1-3, Bb trumpet 1-3, flugelhorn
Trombone 1-2, bass trombone, euphonium 1-2, tuba

Timpani + 3 percussion
Percussion needed:
Mallets/percussion 1: glockenspiel (shared), vibraphone (shared), chimes, sus. cymbal
Mallets/percussion 2: sus. cymbal, glockenspiel (shared)
Mallets/percussion 3:  sus. cymbal, bass drum, vibraphone (shared)

Commissioned by the Big River Brass Band; Nicolas Propes, director
In Memoriam: Jim Holifield

Program notes:

I'm very honored to have been asked by the Big River Brass Band, and director Nicolas Propes, to create this piece in the memory of Jim Holifield. I also wish to thank the family for their input with ideas that musically reflected their
father/husband.

The opening starts with an arpeggiated figure (when taken as a whole). This comes from an excerpt I listened to of Alison Krauss, of whose music Jim apparently was quite fond. One of her songs started with a beautiful arpeggiated
guitar, so I decided to borrow that concept.

Secondly, it was important to feature the trombones, and especially the bass trombone, when possible, to highlight Jim's own instrument, and those who might have been closest to him on stages when he performed. The piece has two main themes: first, as already mentioned, the opening, played mostly in unison by the trombones. A second theme begins after rehearsal E in horn and tuba. These are later super-imposed on top of one another in grand fashion at letter G. One might also notice that the piece's title - "RiverField" is also a similarly a combination of the two subjects at play here: the Big "River" Brass Band, Jim's last name, HoliFIELD. This was an attempt to marry the two things that brought this whole project together: a memoriam by the Big River Brass Band in honor of Jim Holifield. Hence, "RiverField."

One will also notice little colorful triplet-gestures appearing intermittently in the cornets, flugelhorn, and horns. These are meant to signify the rippling of waves on a river, as the winds of time pass over them.

If nothing else, I wanted to try to write a beautiful piece of music as a proper tribute to one who obviously touched so many. I'm sad that I didn't get to meet Jim myself, but I hope this piece of music allows for a warm and loving
remembrance for those who did know him.

~ Jim Stephenson; January 19, 2023

The wind band version of this piece was created for the Southeastern Louisiana University Wind Symphony, Robert M. Schwartz, conductor. Premiered on November 19, 2024 in Pottle Auditorium with the composer in residence.