Maslanka - Symphony no. 2 [Score]

David Maslanka (1943 - 2017)
Symphony no. 2 (1986)

Stephen K. Steele, Conductor
Illinois State University Wind Symphony
Recorded in 2008

I. Moderato - 0:00
II. "Deep River" - 9:44
III. Allegro Molto - 18:33

David Maslanka wrote another piece called "Testament" in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I think that this work is also appropriate for hearing about and thinking about the lives lost on that day. Maslanka himself writes in the program note that the symphony is about pain, loss, grief, and even death (depicted vividly in the second movement "Deep River" as 'crossing to the other side'). I pray that such a day never happens again to any nation. May we have peace in our world.

Speaking of peace, another reason I selected this piece is because it was my first ever exposure to Maslanka as a composer, as well as the St. Olaf Band when they toured southern California in January 2020 with their "Imagining Peace" program. The finale movement of this symphony was the closer for the concert, and little did I know at the time, that I would develop a love for Maslanka's music, as well as that just a couple years later I would apply, get accepted, and commit to St. Olaf College where I now play in the St. Olaf Band. It is quite the "full circle" moment for me, which is why Maslanka 2 will always have a special place in my heart.
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Program Note (2016)
Nearly thirty years have passed since the premiere of Symphony No. 2, the first of my seven symphonies for wind ensemble. In that time I have come to recognize that issues of transformation are at the heart of my work, initially my personal issues of loss, grief, and rage, then knowing that my own change is the start for some element of outward movement, for change in the world. This is a long, slow process, but it is the requirement of our time. The crux of Symphony No. 2 i s the river metaphor of the second movement: crossing over to the other side … death, yes, but also movement away from ego/self and toward compassion.

Everyone knows that we are living in a seriously dangerous time. For me, Symphony No. 2 was my first awareness in artistic terms that this is the case. Nearly sixty years ago African writer Chinua Achebe wrote the renowned novel, Things Fall Apart. Chronicling the destruction of one life he hit upon what we must do to regain our balance: return to our deepest inner sources for sustenance and direction; return to the tradition of the art community: people selected and set apart to dream for the community as a whole. If art is worth anything it is this: it brings us back to dream time and the inner voice. It lets the heart speak, giving us answers that we cannot reach in any other way. This is why we make music.

Program note by David Maslanka. (January 2016)
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*See the pinned comment with the 1986 Program note

NOTE: I DO NOT OWN THIS AUDIO OR SCORE, all credit goes to the rightful owners. I strive to gain NO money from this video, I just wish to share this incredible score and music.