Michael Daugherty: THE WATER IS WIDE for Five Trumpets and Organ or Piano

MICHAEL DAUGHERTY
THE WATER IS WIDE (2018)
for Five Trumpets and Organ or Piano
——————————
Publisher: Michael Daugherty Music
For more information on Michael Daugherty and his music, visit ww.michaeldaugherty.net
——————————
Introduction by Michael Daugherty: 0:00
Music begins: 1:18

Photographs by Michael Daugherty

World Premiere Performance:
April 22, 2018
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Trumpets: Aren Van Houzen (solo), Dan Terrell, Steve King, Wes Keene, Sarah Lodge
Organ: Mark Baumann
Conductor: Michael Daugherty
——————————
THE WATER IS WIDE (2018) for Five Trumpets and Organ is a seven-minute work in celebration of the major renovation of historic St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and in memory of Willis Daugherty (1929-2011) and Evelyn Daugherty (1927-1974), who were longtime members of the church.

The five trumpets, which are spaced in surround sound in the performance space, represent the five Daugherty boys, who are all professional musicians: Michael Daugherty (b.1954), Pat Daugherty (b.1956), Tim Daugherty (b.1958), Matt Daugherty (b.1960) and Tommy D. Daugherty (b.1961). THE WATER IS WIDE, which is based on an old folk song of the same name, reflects on the sound of trumpets moving in various layers, distance, and speeds to create a meditative atmosphere of serenity and reflection.

The folk tune of THE WATER IS WIDE is also known by the names O Waly Waly and Gift of Love. This melody is found in The United Methodist Hymnal #408 and #643, paired with the texts The Gift of Love and Where Love is Found.

–Michael Daugherty
——————————