Lauda

In the Renaissance, laude were vernacular sacred songs. In this work, both vernacular and sacred aspects of school and students are represented. The vernacular is represented by the driving sixteenth-note hi-hat figure in the opening, and the chord progressions, bass line, and melodies -- all reminiscent of pop music. The sacred facet of the piece deals with transformation.

The work opens in G minor and moves through an unsettled introduction, a resolute A section, and a questioning B section, and on to a giant climax on octave Ds throughout the ensemble. The section that follows transforms the B material, and serves as a dominant pedal leading to a shortened recapitulation of all the previous material in a joyous and triumphant transformation in G major.

Program Note from Louis Pizitz Middle School Symphony Band concert program, 16 December 2015