This is the score that prints on legal size paper. The parts
that print on letter size paper are available separately.
This three movement composition is a musical portrait of
Delaware up until its being the first state to ratify the constitution.
It was composed for the University of Delaware Wind Ensemble, Dr. Robert
J. Steckfuss, conductor as a result of a commission from the Xi Mu
Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. The work is in three movements:
I. Stewards of the Land - This movement is a tribute to the Lenni
Lenape Indians. It uses a melody from a Lenape Indian song that is first
stated in the English Horn. This melody is then developed through
adding counterpoint, harmony, orchestration, motivic variation, rhythmic
and tempo changes, and the addition of original material.
II. Settlement and Conflict - This movement reflects the European
settlement of Delaware and the conflict with the indians. It begins with
slow section representing serenity. A faster section using a melody
from a Dutch "dans" represents the first European settlement in
Delaware. A minor version of the "dans" combined with fragments of the
Lenape Indian song from the first movement represents the conflict. This
is followed by a return to the serenity section. A final fast section
introduces a setting of the Swedish melody from "Amerikabrev",
representing the first permanent settlement in Delaware by Sweden. The
movement ends with a section of "Rule Britannia" representing the colony
falling under British rule.
III. Forging A Nation - This movement portrays events leading towards
being the first state to ratify the constitution. The movement begins
with a section reflecting the anxious times of declaring independence,
fighting for freedom, and forging a new government. The second section
builds in confidence. After a slower section of reflection, the movement
ends triumphantly in celebration of a new country.