Herbert Haufrecht (1909 – 1998)
Recordings
- 1978 – Brass Society of New York
- 1986 ~ Episodes (Summit Brass)
General Info
Year composed: 1955
Duration: 13′ 00″
Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
Cost: Rental
Difficulty:
Movements
- Dona Nobis Pacem – 4:44
- Elegy – 4:29
- Jubilation – 3:45
Instrumentation
3 Trumpets in B flat
4 Horns in F
2 Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Timpani
Program Note
Composed between 1953 and 1956, the symphony came after a long period of wars, as all of mankind yearned for peace. This idea is reflected in the titles of the movement, but the work has no specific program. It may seem paradoxical that I have chosen an instrumental combination often associated with the military to plead the cause of peace. An answer to this dilemma might be found in the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah: ‘and they shall beat their swords into plowshares.’ By bringing out the expressive qualities of the brass, alongside their more somber and clangourous aspect, I have sought to endow them with more human utterances.
The first movement, Dona nobis pacem, has two main ideas: a chorale-like melody, which has the quality of supplication, and a second, more fanfare- and military-like theme. The form of the movement is determined by the interchange of these two ideas. The first theme is treated canonically over an ostinato bass. On each recurrence, the imitation becomes a closer stretto. Towards the middle of the movement, this theme is inverted and broadened in augmentation.
“The Elegy is basically a passacaglia, which offers a feeling of lament. Its middle section and recapitulation define the movement’s ABA form. The finale, Jubilation, has a fanfare introduction, in which the main theme of the first movement is briefly recalled, although transformed through tempo and diminution. The ensuing themes and their treatment suggests the character of folksong, folk dances, and fanfares expressing joy and the heralding of peace.
– program note by the composer