A Springtime Celebration - BAR0122357 | Music

Commissioned by Mr. Kikuo Atarashi and the Tenri High School Band of Nara, Japan, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the founding of this outstanding musical performing group in 1936, "A Springtime Celebration" (Haru no Yorokobi) represents Alfred Reed in one of his warmest and most lyrical moods, celebrating the joy of youth in that loveliest of all seasons of the year: spring. Set in the traditional three/part overture form, the music opens with a burst of energy in the full band that soon gives way to a lilting theme in the clarinets and woodwinds, which, after being developed in mostly softer colors, rises to a climax and then seemingly dissolves into its counterpart: a long-breathed, caressing phrase that is also developed mostly in woodwind colors, rises to its own climax and then, following a traditional phrase falss away to prepare for the second main theme. This long, flowing romantic line, first heard in the unison horns and then tkaen up by more und more instruments as it develops, reaches a glowing clomax and then it, too, fades away on a long held chord in the flutes, bringing this second section to a close. The third seciton begins with a return to the first main theme, gradually working up to a full restatement of the main theme, in both of its part, developing by the full winds and brasses, culminating in a final surge of brilliant sound...the very essence of youth in the full flowering og its high spirits and aspirations.

The score of "A Springtime Celebration" was completed in November, 1990, and the first performance of the work took place on March 20th 1991, with the Tenri High School Band under the direction of the composer in a concert in nara, Japan. The work is dedicated to the Tenri High School Band and its director, Mr. Kikuo Ararashi, "with great warmth and affection".