For steel band, includes score and parts. A dramatic work for steel band by the young, Taiwanese/American composer Chin-Chin Chen. She crafts a stunning concert work, exploring both the melodic and textural aspects of the pans. Players must be able to read music. The work comes to a sonic apotheosis with a final, driving ostinato led by the basses and cellos. Duration: ca. 8-10'
Print size: Legal (8.5 x 14")
Review from Percussive Notes:
"Pan Spiritual" is an approximately eight-minute work for steel band. It was written for the University of Illinois Steel Band under the direction of Thomas Siwe and was premiered by the group on March 1, 1998. The instrumentation is six lead pans, three sets of double tenors, three sets of double seconds, two sets of cellos, and two sets of bass pans. This original composition for steel drum ensemble does not fit the typical calypso or soca style. It is very contemporary, but programmatic in nature. The piece falls into three distinct sections, which the composer implies at the start of each with words and tempo markings: requiem/quarter note = 60; reminiscence/quarter note = 100; and resurrection/quarter note = 103. Requiem provides a sense of dissonance in all parts, possibly portraying a sense of chaos during one's loss. The ensemble should ob serve accidentals carefully, as they will carry through each measure. Reminiscence is more playful in nature, beginning with imitative statements in all pans and then moving to a sense of major tonality, representing pleasant memories. Sweeping major arpeggios in the bass and cello parts simulate an uplifting nature, leading to the Resurrection section, which provides a sense of openness through the use of perfect fourth and perfect fifth intervals, representing the hope and faith in resurrection. "Pan Spiritual" is a challenging work for the advanced steel drum ensemble to perform. The efforts of the composer and those of the University of Illinois Steel Band are to be noted for providing the steel band medium with new and fresh literature.
-Lisa Rogers
