Symphonies of Gaia

The title Symphonies of Gaia uses language of the ancient Greeks. Symphonies refers not to an established genre or form, but simply means "a sounding together." Gaia is the Titan goddess of the earth in Greek mythology, and has since become a universal symbol for ecological stewardship and wisdom.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 5 | Duration: 7:40

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bb Clarinet 1/2
Bb Clarinet 3/4
Bass Clarinet
Contrabass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bassoon 1/2

Horn 1/3
Horn 2/4
Bb Trumpet 1/2
Bb Trumpet 3/4
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3/4
Euphonium
Tuba

Contrabass

Piano

Timpani (suspended cymbal, large tam-tam, shaker, crotales)
Percussion 1 (bells, claves, crash cymbals)
Percussion 2 (vibraphone, bass drum, log drums, tambourine)
Percussion 3 (marimba, triangle, xylophone, hi-hat, chimes)
Percussion 4 (3 tom-toms, 2 bongos, 1 conga, crash cymbals)
Percussion 5 (3 tom-toms, large tam-tam)

Program Notes
The title Symphonies of Gaia uses language of the ancient Greeks. Symphonies refers not to an established genre or form, but simply means "a sounding together." Gaia is the Titan goddess of the earth in Greek mythology, and has since become a universal symbol for ecological stewardship and wisdom. My most sincere hope is that Symphonies of Gaia will, in some form, inspirit others to understand and take action against the environment crises we now so desperately face.

- Jayce John Ogren

NOTES FROM DAVID R. GILLINGHAM
When I first heard Symphonies of Gaia, it was performed by the St. Olaf Wind Ensemble conducted by the composer. The faculty conductor of this fine ensemble, Dr. Timothy Mahr, is a first-rate composer, himself, and was also the composition teacher of the composer, Jayce Ogren. I am sure that the excellent craftsmanship of this work was directly influenced by Dr. Mahr. I found this work to be mesmerizing and I was immediately drawn into the emotion of the piece. Quite frankly, I wish I had written the piece! Consequently, I felt that this piece should launch the premiere of the Gillingham Signature Series.

Symphonies of Gaia is the essence of musical integrity. It expresses some very deep feelings by the composer. The scoring is extremely creative and the craftsmanship is first rate. So much is said in the relatively short duration of the work. It is music on a high level that will challenge and inspire. Here is a work that will sustain itself in the repertoire for years to come.

- David R. Gillingham