Composer Edward J. Madden writes, "Elegy (a mournful lament, poem or song for a dead person) was composed in memory of Taylor Roland, a wonderful, gentle, and much admired man who played tuba with the Boston University Alumni Concert Band and who died suddenly while only in his mid-forties.
His passing was particularly sad since he had just been married the week before he died. Members of the band and I as conductor wanted to acknowledge him in some special way; this composition was the result. It was first performed by the BU Alumni Band and with Taylor?s tearful widow in the audience.
The tuba itself, like other deep bass instruments, is usually not known or regarded as an instrument with an outstanding capacity for great lyrical abilities as a solo instrument, especially when compared to instruments like the cello, violin, or any of the other upper voiced string or wind instruments. Yet a fine player who has the capacity for rich melodic playing can prove that the instrument itself is capable of rich expression. That stated, this work in performance can be the very poignant moment it is intended to convey."
This version of the piece is for tuba and wind ensemble accompaniment. Solo parts are included on the enclosed CD.
Solo Parts Included: Solo Tuba, Wind Ensemble (Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Bb Clarinets 1-3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophones 1-2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpets 1-3, Horns 1-4, Trombones 1-3, Euphonium, Tuba, String Bass, Timpani, Bells).
