Radiant Ascension (Duet for Trombone & Organ)

Radiant Ascension is a duet for trombone & organ that takes its inspiration from a poem written by Errol Lawrence Hardin who captures the beauty of the morning sun as it slowly rises, making its way to the apex in the sky. The work concludes in a joyous celebration. It’s a moment of praise and thanksgiving for one of natures most precious resources.

Genre: Duet for Trombone & Organ | # of Players: 2
Series: N/A
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 9:30

Instrumentation
Trombone (or Euphonium)
Organ

Program Notes

Radiant Ascension was written in 2020 for Professor Timothy Anderson, trombone professor at The Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. The music takes its inspiration from a poem written by Errol Lawrence Hardin who captures the beauty of the morning sun as it slowly rises, making its way to the apex in the sky.

Silver glimmers upon the distant horizon of night’s parting,
signals your ever-faithful return.
Mountains and sea appear afire,
bathed by your subtle pink, teal and orange hues,
stretching from forever to forever,
the Earth awaiting your warming caress.
Like an early morning lover’s parting kiss,
you bid the fleeing envious moon farewell until the morrow, yet again.
You seemingly pause to conduct the treetop chorus in song,
heralding your ascent to your place of dominance.
Masterful orb, barer of light, take the throne in the midst of the sky,
bathing the Earth in your glory.
It is now complete, thy radiant ascension.

– Errol Lawrence Hardin

The reading of the poem is inserted into the music, however, it is also acceptable to print the poem in a program while performing without the reading. Radiant Ascension concludes in a joyous celebration. It’s a moment of praise and thanksgiving for one of natures most precious resources.