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for Orchestra
The "Ebony Psalmfest" premiered with the Omaha Symphony in November of 1990, Maestro William Jenks conducting. This three movement tone poem brings to the composer's mind several psalms (from the Old Testament). It is not a program piece. There is no story line, just colors from my past. The Prelude with arpeggios and fanfares calls things to order, using triplet figures as its principle rhythmic unit, moving quickly to a "second theme of sorts" which is a rhythmically irregular treatment of "Give Me That Old Time Religion" as the solo trumpet plays a rather "bluesy" obligato. The meter changes often here, then recaps the opening theme with piano, clarinet, and brass trio. The movement ends with swirls of running sixteenths from the high registers of each instrument descending to the lower register. When the final point is made, the voices simply disappear.
The Intermezzo quotes a hymn tune "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah." This is not the typical version found in any of the printed hymnals, rather it is a concertized version of the "call and response" version used for opening devotional service by so many Black congregations a generation ago. This tune (from the "oral tradition") may not be recognized because of the myriad of orchestral colors used to present it. You will hear it in solo lines with accompaniment (the caller) and in choral form (the congregational response).
The Theme of the Intermezzo is also the meat of the Finale. This quick moving, rhythmic, and often percussive "Jubilee" turns into quite a virtuoso show piece for all instruments. The embellished melody becomes the theme for a "toe-tapping" fugal treatment which seems to be quite challenging even for the most talented of players. There is a highly syncopated unison trio featuring piano, timpani, and marimba before the piece comes to its rousing conclusion.
The Composer recommends this piece for general concert use by professional orchestras. "Ebony Psalmfest" would be a good piece to study before performing the rather difficult "Fantasy Dance Suite" There are many similarities. One might want to take a look at the two and three part creations of Bach before advancing to the preludes and fugues. Similarly, a conductor probably should study the Beethoven Choral Fantasy before attempting the Ninth Symphony.
By the way, there is a solo piano version of "Ebony Psalmfest" called "Ebonics", which is due for publication by July of 1998.