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Agincourt Hymn

Title:	Agincourt Hymn
Date of Composition:	Copyright © 1987
Level of Difficulty:	University (a good high school band could perform this piece, if conducted well; it could be difficult to rehearse though, because of its length and minimalistic nature)
Instrumentation:	Wind Ensemble (involves singing and a tenor drum section that can vary in size)
Performance Time:	17:41
Publisher:	Wingert-Jones Music 11225 Colorado Kansas City, MO 64137-2502 (816)765-6200 or toll-free 800-258-WJMO
Dedication::	For my father, Daniel Bukvich Sr., Jan. 31, 1914 to Oct. 25, 1986
Program Notes:	The English victory over the French at the battle of Agincourt in 1415 inspired John Dunstable to compose "Agincourt Hymn" on which Bukvich based his work of the same name. The entire work, with one exception, is based on the serialization of various elements of the hymn. The exception is the melody in the saxophone soli section which is "Danny Boy" in inversion. The work carries two dedications: The first, to the composer's father, Dan Bukvich, Sr. (hence the "Danny Boy" inclusion) and to Robert Pascoe (a horn player), late son of the composer's mentor, Jane Pascoe. Hence, the work contains no horn part. A large percussion section, segments of chant and creative staging that has the trumpet (9 part) and trombone sections playing the final portion at the front of the stage, contribute to making the "Agincourt Hymn" one of Bukvich's most dramatic and difficult works. Portions of the program notes were extracted from those written by Anthony Conrad Mengelkamp for the CD, "Music of Daniel Bukvich," published in 1997; edited for content by Susan G. Weaver.
Sketches/Composition Notes:	"Agincourt Hymn" is basically a 20 minute crescendo that incorporates a certain amount of repeated, minimalistic themes. It is musically challenging because of this and so, requires a high level of musicianship in order to be performed effectively. If poorly conducted, the piece may seem to be too long and the intensity of the crescendo may be lost. It is recommended that the conductor spend ample time studying the score before attempting to rehearse this piece.
Recordings:	Performed by University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music Wind Ensemble Conducted by Robert Spevacek Location: Morrison Center for the performing arts, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho in a concert for the Northwest meeting of the Music Educators National Conference Date recorded: February 18, 1989 Recording engineer(s): Recording Engineered by Al Giles Digital mastering by Digital Remastering by P.K. Northcutt II Real Audio File of Agincourt Hymn - 4.1 MB MP3 of Agincourt Hymn - 16.1 MB Recordings posted: 9/17/2002 All recordings on this site are made available for use by students and music educators. Please be kind to our server and download in moderation.