Foundations David R. Gillingham

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2018
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Contrabass

Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1: Bells, Crotales, Xylophone, Tam-Tam
Percussion 2: Ribbon Crasher, Vibraphone, Crotales, Chimes
Percussion 3: Slapstick, Marimba (5-octave), Crash Cymbals
Percussion 4: Brake Drum, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 5: Snare Drum, Temple Blocks, Triangle, Hi-Hat, Bell Plate
Percussion 6: 5 Concert Toms
Percussion 7: Bass Drum, Chimes
Foundations was commissioned by the Mu Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor along with a consortium of colleges and universities headed by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Nils Landsberg, Associate Director of Instrumental Studies, in honor of the opening of the newly built Performing Arts Center. The work is a fantasy on the hymn The Church's One Foundation, music by Samuel S. Wesley (1864) and words by Samuel J. Stone (1866). The message of the hymn is the concept of Christ as the church's foundation, but there seems to be a direct parallel to building any kind of a foundation that must be strong, solid, and support the building above it hence the connection to the building of the new Performing Arts Center at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Inspiration for the sections of the work come from the words of the hymn itself:

Introduction (m. 1-28): The church's one foundation.

The Vision (m. 28-75): She waits the consummation of peace for evermore.

The Realization (m. 75-92): She (the church) is His (Christ's) new creation by water and the word.

Trials and Tribulation (m. 92-124): Mid toil and tribulation and tumult of her war.

Celebration (m. 124-155): Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest, and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest...and mystic sweet communication with those whose rest is won.

Coda/Benediction (m. 155-175): O happy ones and Holy! Lord give us grace that we, like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with thee.