Composition Notes
“The Meadow” is a work for large orchestra that emerged out of my first attempt to compose a full symphony at the age of 22. I originally composed two movements to include in the symphony, but abandoned any further work on the project as I was unsatisfied with the first movement. Despite this, both movements were performed on March 23, 2002 by the University of Victoria Symphony Orchestra with my composition professor, John Celona, conducting. Although the composition was well-received by the audience, some of the composition faculty at the university were less impressed.
Later, I rejected the first movement altogether and refused to publish it. The second movement, however, I felt was worth keeping and it was renamed as a standalone work. The title was drawn from a short story of the same name written by my late father, John C. Maw. It is the only creative literary work of my father that remains in my possession. After re-reading the story and listening to this musical work, I felt they had a strong connection.
Instrumentation
- 2 Flutes
- 2 Oboes
- 2 Bb Clarinets
- 2 Bassoons
- 6 Horns in F
- 3 Bb Trumpets
- 3 Tenor Trombones
- Euphonium
- Tuba
- Timpani
- Large Gong
- Tambourine
- Tubular Bells
- Celesta
- 1st Violins
- 2nd Violins
- Violas
- Violoncellos
- Double Basses
