Apocalyptic Dreams (Concert band score & parts)

Description

This composition is David Gillingham's first symphony for winds and percussion and is cast in three continuous movements expressing the events of the "Apocalypse" through music. The events, however, are only imaginary as they would unfold in a rather bizarre dream. The first movement, "The Vision", sets the general mood for the entire symphony in that there is a prophetic and unimaginable vision of the end of the world. Marked "ferocious", the second movement, "Cataclysmic Events", alludes to the chain of cosmic cataclysms, beginning with snaking chromatic lines and culminating in wild cascading woodwinds and tumultuous brass. The pealing of chimes begins the third movement, "Messianic Kingdom". The obvious reference of this movement is to the second coming of the Messiah, beginning with a chorale-like section in the low brass, progressing to a rainbow of solos by oboe, clarinet, flute and English horn and climaxing with the glorious Lutheran chorale by Johann Schop, "Break Forth O Beauteous Heavenly Light".