Title: Tennessee Journey
Commission/Dedication: Written for Chris Combest and recorded on his solo album “Under Tennessee Skies.” Creation of this work was supported by an MTSU Faculty Creative Activities Grant.
Premiere: Premiered by Chris Combest. Dates unknown.
Composer: Barbara York
Publisher: Cimarron Music Press
Year: 2020
Purchasing: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/tennesseejourney
Program notes from the composer:
The piece opens with two main themes. The first is to represent the western mountains and later become more integrated and transformed to include “the land” and the terrain itself. The second theme is a modal melody reminiscent of folk music and in my mind it is “the heart of Tennessee.” The first four notes of this theme are also the first four of the Tennessee Waltz.
There is also a secondary, “watery” countermelody to both which represents the many streams, creeks and waterfalls that are so abundant in Tennessee.
As we continue through the piece, all of these themes become integrated with each other and become more and more obscure within the totality as we include farmland, country folk, different types of music and eventually an urban hustle and bustle that still contains elements of the earlier themes.
We return eventually to the initial two themes to remind us that the land and the heart of Tennessee still remain with us throughout its history and development.
Author assessment and pedagogical considerations:
“Tennessee Journey” is reminiscent of York’s earlier work “Four Paintings by Grant Wood.” It provides an aural narrative of Tennessee geography and pays a brief homage to the “Tennessee Waltz”, as made famous by country artist Patti Page.
From a performer’s standpoint, this piece is a great challenge for an undergraduate student to tackle as one of their harder pieces. It is an enjoyable piece for the audience to journey with you and provides growth opportunities through performance. The tubist should familiarize their selves with Gospel music for the 8 measure interlude in the middle of the piece as well as be prepared to tackle letter ‘F’ to ‘G’ as it has some challenging moments.
Recordings: