The 1980s
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Variations
for Trumpet
Written for solo trumpet, this work was commissioned by William Doyle and completed on October 12, 1981. Mr. Doyle was an American trumpet player whom Dr. Hailstork met in England earlier in 1981. "Variations for Trumpet" consists of several irregular meters which frequently change. Strategically accented beats heighten the rhythmic irregularity and emphasize the over all improvisatory mood that the piece generates. The melodic line has a modal character with carefully placed accidentals that often brighten its temperament. "Variations for Trumpet" is a short but intricate work which involves the use of mutes, flutter tonguing, glissandi, and harmonics.
"Song
of Ruth" from Two Biblical Songs
Written in 1984, the "Two Biblical Songs" are based on texts from Luke 1:46-55 (Magnificat), and Ruth 1:16-17. The first song is titled, "The Song of Mary," and the second, pictured here, is titled, "The Song of Ruth." This song begins with a long piano introduction and is marked, "Agitato," though the metronome marking is not a fast one. The writing is atonal and is marked by clusters of sound and rhythmic variance. However, when the vocal line enters, the writing becomes more tonally centered and diatonic for a time; then it moves back to a more definite atonal construct. This set was dedicated by Dr. Hailstork with these words: "The 'Two Biblical Songs' were written for soprano Lorraine Bell, my friend, colleague, student, and teacher."
Done Made My Vow
This important and celebrated oratorio was written to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia. It was completed in 1985 and given its premiere performance at Norfolk State in December that year. Set for a large orchestra with expanded percussion, chorus, soloists and narrator, this work contains elements found in many church services: a prelude, invocation, "A Time for Thanksgiving," " A Time for Remembrance," "A Time for Dedication" and a final hymn. Of this work, Dr. Hailstork has commented: "In this composition I have coupled Euro-American structural methods (Melodic counterpoint, extensive key changes, long range graduation, dramatic contrasts) with Afro-American idioms and processes (spirituals, chant-song, ostinato, rhythms, polymeters). I hope that by doing this I have imbued 'Done Made My Vow' with the spirit of the more reverential side of the Black music experience rather than the entertainment side which is more widely known."
A Simple Caprice
This work's title is an affectation of the name of Jesse B. Semple, a cartoon character created by Langston Hughes. Dr. Hailstork has compared the Semple character to Till Eulenspiegel, for whom Richard Strauss' famous tone poem is named. "A Simple Caprice", written for clarinet and piano and completed on April 1, 1987, is a single movement work which is divided into four sections: fast, slow, fast, and a coda which reintroduces several motives that have been previously heard. There are many jazz and blues influences present in the piece as well as instances when improvisation is required. In addition, the classical side of the clarinet's capabilities are also fully explored. "A Simple Caprice" is dedicated to F. Gerard Errante, Professor of Clarinet at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, who also premiered it on September 14, 1987.
Symphony No. 1
Written in 1988 for a summer music festival, this "classical" work for a "Haydn-sized" orchestra is approximately twenty minutes in length and has a four movement structure. The first movement is marked "Allegro" and has a classically modeled sonata-allegro form. The second movement is marked "Lento ma non troppo" and has a standard A-B-A form. The third movement is a scherzo and is based on a "buzzing" theme in the strings and woodwinds. The fourth movement is in a rondo form and brings back themes from earlier movements. Dr. Hailstork himself conducted the premiere of "Symphony No. 1".