For Those Taken Too Soon Symphony No. 1 by Kimberly Archer Concert Band - Sheet Music

SKU: CN.05981

This single-movement symphony was written in memory of one of the composer's dear band director friends. Based on the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," the five seamless sections of the piece represent the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Powerful!

for those taken too soon ... (Symphony No.1) is composed in memory of Dennis Kusy. He was an inspiring conductor, a passionate band director and educator, and one of the most gifted musicians I have ever known. He was also my best friend. He was twenty-four years old when he was killed in a car accident on November 10, 2000. The piece is composed of five seamless sections representative of the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The key structure is descending thirds, which starts in Eb minor, arrives in Bb major at the climax, then shifts up to D major ("D" for Dennis) at the coda. The melodic basis of the piece is the hymn "It is Well With My Soul," although it is never stated outright until the climax. It is a tune which Dennis first encountered in David Holsinger's On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, and used to have me play on the piano for him whenever we were together. - Kimberly K. Archer.