This Place . . . . (2026)
Programme Note
Anton Bruckner wrote his Symphony #5 in 1875/76, during a time where he was plagued by artistic and spiritual self-doubt and great personal hardship. Listening to this work today, I’m immediately struck by its confidence and power, sheer scale of structure, and polyphony that through mastery touches the divine rather than merely living his ambitions of reaching for it. I can't imagine the dichotomy he lived in creating something of such beauty and technique, but not being able to recognize his success.
'This Place' is the English translation of the latin term 'Locus Iste', the title of one of Bruckner's most famous vocal motets. Originally composed for the dedication of Votivkapelle in Linz, Austria, 'Locus Iste' is a noteworthy example of the popularity of Bruckner's music, living today as an established part of the vocal ensemble cannon.
My piece is an original work for brass band which explores germinal material from the final movement of the Symphony #5 and 'Locus Iste'. It's broadly in ternary form, like the motet, but with each large section consisting of a series of rapidly changing connected moods. At each of these changes Bruckner's music persistently tries to break through to the surface of the piece, sometimes peacefully and sometimes with violence.
This Place . . . was composed in 2025/26, a time when we need to remember that everyone is deserving of a place in our world.
Tom Davoren (Lawrence, Kansas 2026)
Difficulty: 6
Duration: c. 16 minutes 30 seconds
Anton Bruckner wrote his Symphony #5 in 1875/76, during a time where he was plagued by artistic and spiritual self-doubt and great personal hardship. Listening to this work today, I’m immediately struck by its confidence and power, sheer scale of structure, and polyphony that through mastery touches the divine rather than merely living his ambitions of reaching for it. I can't imagine the dichotomy he lived in creating something of such beauty and technique, but not being able to recognize his success.
'This Place' is the English translation of the latin term 'Locus Iste', the title of one of Bruckner's most famous vocal motets. Originally composed for the dedication of Votivkapelle in Linz, Austria, 'Locus Iste' is a noteworthy example of the popularity of Bruckner's music, living today as an established part of the vocal ensemble cannon.
My piece is an original work for brass band which explores germinal material from the final movement of the Symphony #5 and 'Locus Iste'. It's broadly in ternary form, like the motet, but with each large section consisting of a series of rapidly changing connected moods. At each of these changes Bruckner's music persistently tries to break through to the surface of the piece, sometimes peacefully and sometimes with violence.
This Place . . . was composed in 2025/26, a time when we need to remember that everyone is deserving of a place in our world.
Tom Davoren (Lawrence, Kansas 2026)
Difficulty: 6
Duration: c. 16 minutes 30 seconds