Fifth Symphony Phoenix (Op 110) by James Barnes

Fifth Symphony Phoenix (Op 110) by James Barnes
Performed by Anglo Chinese Junior College Concert Band (Singapore)
Conductor: Alvin Seville

Commissioned in 2000 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band in 1951 at the conclusion of Allied occupation, this work is scored for a very large band, including six antiphonal trumpets.

The work is in four movements: I. Eulogy, II. Scherzo, III. Reverie, and IV. Jubilation.

Subtitled “Phoenix”, the composer writes: “Like the legendary phoenix bird, which self-immolates then arises from its own ashes more resplendent than ever, Japan has recovered from the massive devastation of World War II to become a greater and more respected nation than ever before.”