Steven Banks - Strength to Climb (world premiere), Northwestern University Saxophone Ensemble

Northwestern University Saxophone Ensemble, Taimur Sullivan, director
Steven Banks - Strength to Climb (2022), world premiere performance
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Program notes by the composer:

During the initial lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, I became an avid meditator. In my study of meditation, I have been reminded frequently of the concept of impermanence. Our lives, bodies, and communities are constantly changing. We often want to cling to things that we find pleasant and avoid that which is unpleasant. We know, of course, that these efforts are often unsuccessful. In meditation, I work to experience the vicissitudes of life in a non-judgemental way so I am not ruled by them in trying times. Maintaining awareness in each passing moment encourages us to respond wisely to all things that life throws at us.

In Strength to Climb, I explore my newfound awareness of the nature of how things rise, fall, and change in life. Sometimes change is abrupt. Other times, we experience a slow shift over time. We may also reach plateaus. Regardless, time marches on. In this piece, you will hear musical reflections on these different ways that life ebbs and flows.

While writing this piece, I was constantly studying the music of Ravel and Debussy. This work specifically references the second movement of Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit in a number of ways. The most notable of these references is the use a single-pitch motive that is present at all times. This anchor-like gesture evokes a sense of groundedness and serves as a reminder of the continuous flow of time.

You will hear the gospel song Lord Don't Move the Mountain (lyrics below) referenced throughout this work. I fell in love with this song from listening to recordings of Mahalia Jackson and Etta James. This song is a reminder to us that hardship is inevitable. We need not run from it. We just need to find the strength to continue climbing.

Lord Don't Move the Mountain

Lord, don't move the mountain
But give me the strength to climb
Lord, don't move my stumbling block
But lead me all around
Our cares we bring unto you
You told us, Lord, that we could
You promised to help those who help themself
And I believe that you'll have mercy, Lord
The way may not be easy
You didn't say, Lord, that it would be
For when our tribulations get too light
We tend to stray from Thee
Have mercy
Please don't move the mountain
Just give me the strength to climb
Lord, don't move my stumbling block
But lead your child all around

Strength to Climb is dedicated to my beloved teacher, Taimur Sullivan, to whom I owe so much.

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Recorded in Galvin Recital Hall
Ryan Center for the Musical Arts
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL