FAST FALLS THE EVENTIDE
Concert Band, Gr. 4
Description:
Fast Falls the Eventide was commissioned by the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble (Dr. Kenneth Ozzello, conductor), and was premiered by that organization on January 23, 2009.
Fast Falls the Eventide is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Mitchell, who lost his battle with cancer in February, 2008. Mr. Mitchell was a middle school band director in Huntsville, AL, for over 25 years, during which time he also played trombone in the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. Because Tom was devoutly religious-and also a proud alumnus of the University of Alabama the melodic elements of Fast Falls the Eventide are taken from two sources: the first is Yay, Alabama, the fight song of the University of Alabama; the other is the popular hymn Abide with Me, the text of which is a prayer for the comfort and strength of God to be present with us throughout life, through trials, and through death. The first verse is likely the most well known:
"Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, Oh abide with me."
As a tribute to Tom's career as a professional trombonist, Fast Falls the Eventide features the trombone in a number of ways: an opening solo, a low-brass chorale, and the work ends with a brief, final statement by muted trombone. Because Tom's wife Rhonda and daughter Sara are both bassoonists, there are solo passages for the bassoons as well.