Title: De Profundis
Commission/Dedication: Written for Angelo Manzo
Premiere: Premiered by Angelo Manzo. Dates unknown.
Composer: Barbara York
Publisher: Cimarron Music Press
Year: 2017
Purchasing: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/deprofundis
Program notes from the composer:
None.
Author assessment:
In talking with Barbara about this piece for a DMA recital I gave, she focused on Angelo (the commissioner) and the new reality he was facing from medical complications. Angelo developed a condition that only allows him to play for a very limited amount of time. Angelo approached Barbara to write this piece as his “farewell to the tuba.” He performed it in public at the premiere and that was the last time he played, publicly.
Barbara got her inspiration from Psalm 130:
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord in unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
In thinking of what Angelo went through, to have your playing career ended because of an uncontrollable condition, and the frustration, sadness, and the feeling of being lost, Psalm 130 fits perfectly. Ironically, after Barbara sent Angelo the commission, it was discovered that Angelo kept that Psalm taped in his desk drawer for comfort. This was unplanned.
The piece opens with a low, free section that is indicative of anger and frustration. The harsh articulations and dynamic swells enhance the feelings Angelo must have felt. At Letter ‘A’, the music takes us through a journey of sadness and confusion. Rhythmically, the tuba does not enter on a downbeat during this section. Letter ‘C’ and ‘D’ bring change in key and acceptance of fate. The piece resumes the material from Letter ‘A’, bringing back the sadness felt by Angelo. The final 3 measures issue a final statement from the tuba with the last measure being tuba alone, with a final statement that’s chilling and the face of a reality that’s just arrived.
Recordings:
