ADORAtion of the shepherds

Composed July and August, 2017

Duration: 3'
Instrumentation: 2 2(E.H.) 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.

The listener is presented with an original tune, played on plucked strings, which harkens back to the pastorale style of a shepherd. Suddenly, a host of brass instruments appear proclaiming good news of great joy. In an effort to mimic the da Lodi painting, the music continually shifts focus between the events of adoration (harp melody) and proclamation (brass interjection). In the midst of this musical dialogue the lowly shepherd tune is exalted and joins with the highest “choirs” of the orchestra.

-NATHAN WILSON BALL