American Triptych: I. I Thank You God

American Triptych presents aspects of spiritual experience as expressed by three North American poets: Americans E. E. Cummings and W. S. Merwin, and Canadian Bliss Carman. Commissioned by the Reading Choral Society, Reading, Pennsylvania, David DeVenney, conductor. The work received its premiere performance on November 13, 1999.

 

The first movement, i thank You God, is an extroverted fanfare of praise to God the Creator, with liberal use of mixed meter, syncopation and minimalist rhythmic patterns. The chosen ensemble of instruments (harp, soprano saxophone, double bass, piano and percussion) gives the work a decidedly Americancharacter.

 

This work can also be performed with piano four-hands alone, or with piano four-hands and any combination of the ensemble instruments, with the two pianists omitting any doublings as indicated by the cues. Duration: 5:30