Composer’s Notes

 

Concert Band, Grade 3.5

Duration: 4:30

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Palingenesis, in its simplest form, is the ability for something to recreate itself upon destruction. For some, the word holds philosophical or religious connotations. In this context, a forest is destroyed by fire. While the devastation is clear, the forest begins to heal and grow again. And in that renewal, we find an underlying, yet constant thread of hope.

 

Section I: Old Growth Forest

The forest stands tall and mighty, yet it is dying. Years of overgrowth have led to a decline–the sun no longer reaches the ground, and rain never makes it through the ancient canopy. New growth is starved and prematurely dies. The decaying undergrowth overwhelms the forest floor, so that not even the most careful-footed creature can wander through. 

 

Section II: The Great Fire

With a clap of thunder, a bolt of lightning strikes one of the ancient trees. Quickly, the forest is engulfed in flames, and before long, all that remains of the forest are charred and broken stumps. Yet, for the first time in many years, the rain reaches the forest floor, which takes it in most-desperately… 

 

Section III: Palingenesis

Far below the surface, something once quiet and still begins to awaken. Day by day, as the sun shines and rain soaks the earth, a new life begins to emerge. It is old, yet it is new. In time, insects, birds, and small creatures return. Eventually, large trunks will rise, and the forest will be teeming with life once again.

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Instrumentation

​Flute 1, 2

Oboe

Bassoon

Clarinet 1, 2, 3

Bass Clarinet

Alto Saxophone 1, 2

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1, 2, 3

Horn 1, 2

Trombone 1, 2

Euphonium

Tuba

Timpani

Mallet 1: Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal

Mallet 2: Marimba, Suspended Cymbal, Ratchet

Mallet 3: Chimes, Whip, Glockenspiel

Percussion 1: Tam-Tam, Mark Tree

Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Mixed Triangles

Off Stage Percussion: Thunder Tube, Rainstick, Cricket/Frog Rasp

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Palingenesis will be premiered on January 17, 2026

by the Monadnock Valley Music Festival Concert Band under

the direction of Casey Speed.

 

Cover art by Hanna Flewelling at HFlewDesign